melissa_eiselein

I'm not fortunate enough to own the fabulous 70-200 IS, but I do have the 28-135 and the 75-300 IS models.

My 28-135, which I purchased new, makes a whisper of a sound. Sometimes I find myself sticking up to my ear to hear if it's working.

My 75-300, which I purchased used, appears to make a grinding sound compared with the 28-135. If I didn't know that it was supposed to make the sound, I too would have been concerned.

Now, you mentioned that you were having trouble getting it to focus in IS mode. Was it on a tripod at the time? I've heard that when the IS lens is stabilized, the gyros can cause focusing problems. If you were hand holding, I don't have a clue. Perhaps someone else might know.

Brett:

<P>I work in a field that deals with people who are powerful, powerless, rich, poor, kind, dangerous, followers and leaders and more glad-handers and manipulators that you'll want to meet in a lifetime. Believe me when I say that there is little that shocks me these days. But I do hope I never reach the point where the I'm complacent about the feelings of others. I come here to learn about photography from those who are more experienced and have a better understanding of what they've read in camera manuals and photo books than I've been able to grasp.</P>

<P>My gripe was Julian's only advice was to put the camera in "idiot mode." It never ceases to amaze me how often I see people say they don't want to waste thier time replying to someone who doesn't deserve a answer, and yet spends time carefully wording a non-answer. I suppose this is human nature, especially prevalent in the males of our species. ;-) (Notice the wink, guys. And yes, I can take 'em as well as give 'em out.) </P>

<P>Brett, you seem to hold Julian and his replies in high esteem. I'll follow your lead and take a closer look at Julian's posts before I pass further judgement on the fellow.</P>

<P>Julian. I apologize for my remarks about your group. Your Elan Y board may very well have a lot of good information. Perhaps, if I can find the time to figure out how to maneuver quickly through the Yahoo boards, I'll give it a third look-see.</p>

Mark:

<p>Your 50mm f/1.8 is a fabulous lens for beginners and advanced alike. I started with a nasty Sigma zoom lens and learned lazy zoom techniques that I've not been able to break. You use that 50mm until you know your camera backwards and forwards and you'll be ahead of the game!</P>

<p>Eventually, you'll want to get a good tripod that can support your camera and a long lens on a windy day, but for now, take the advice to purchase a cheapie tripod and a lot of film and shoot the heck out of that 50mm. Next, you'll probably want to go wide. The 24mm f/2.8 is a great lens suitable for both landscape and wide indoor shots. If instead, you feel you're in need of something a little longer, especially if you shoot portraits, you might consider Canon's 85mm f/1.8 or 100mm 2.8 macro.</p>

<p>The flash will probably be one of your last purchases. I own a 380ex made for my Elan II, but seldom use it. There's a trick to flash photography, one that I've not yet learned.(sigh)</P>

<p>Remember, everyone's shooting style and needs are different. Only you can decide what you need. Some people spend most of their time at the wide end. Me, I'm usually at 300mm and wishing for more length. Use your 50mm until you can shoot without thinking and then you'll have a better idea of which direction you need to go with your next lens purchase.</p>

RM Watkins:

<p>I'm with you in this situation. I absolutely hate it when people choose to answer a question with ridicule. I once had someone on this forum accuse me of seeking advice before I checked archived answer. That person was way out of line in jumping to his conclusion. He obviously didn't know that it was my archive reading that prompted my question as it was not answered in the archived posts.</P>

<P>As for those so-called stupid questions, I'm glad there are people like you who will answer. I've learned a great deal about my camera (which also came with a manual) and its custom function modes from conversations on this board. Many were questions that I wouldn't have known to ask.</P>

Julian Loke:

<p>You push your Elan7 group in every one of your replies. The link caught my eye and I went there twice to check the place out. Perhaps there was some good info, but both times I was there, I found the group full of ads and clunky to maneuver through. Now that I see your attitude toward newbies, I have no desire to pay a third visit. My guess is that others reading your post in this thread will also think twice before wasting their time.</P>

Philo:

<p>You mentioned that your camera is indeed set to one-shot and you've still had problems with it double shooting. I would suggest you contact the store where you purchased the camera. But before doing so, go in well-armed with information. You've already had a taste of what happens when the high-and-mighty deal with the newbie. Are there certain situations where this happens more than others? Low light? Lens fully extended? Do you hear it taking that second shot? Shoot a final role and keep track of what you do, see and hear and take this information in with you.</P>

<p>Good luck and very best wishes!</p>

<i>"I was considering the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens for this purpose. But if I get this, can I use this lens in leiu of the 100mm or 85mm lenses."</i>

<p>Sure you can. I don't have the 100mm f/2.8 macro, but I've done a little reading on it. It has a macro switch that you can turn on for macro use and off for portrait use.</p>

<p>You are looking at a nice, yet affordable set of lenses. I have the 24 f/2.8 and 50 f/1.8. Both are nice lenses. I recently purchased a used 85 f/1.8 but haven't had a chance to use it. I chose it over the 100mm because those few times that I've to do portraits, I've worked in limited space. Also, I have close-up lenses that I could use for those rare times when I want a close-up shot of something, but I find them to be a bit of a hassle. If you plan to do a lot of macro work, then I believe the 100mm f/2.8 would be a better choice.</p>

<p>By the way, once you get the above set, your next step will be into the big-buck arena. I'd love to have a fast 200, 300, or 400mm lens... but I can't afford one just yet.</p>

Vishal:

<p>I have an Elan IIe (older version of the Elan 7) and I've been happy with my Manfrotto 3011 tripod and Bogen 3047 3-way head. This combination would run you about $170 at B&H.</p>

<p>Unlike Brett, I prefer the 3-way head. For my style of shooting, it's easier for a klutz like me to adjust one step at a time. If you're going to shoot action shots where you'll need quick verticle/horizontal adjustments, you might consider the ball head.</p>

<p>If I had it to do over again, I'd get the Manfrotto 3021 tripod legs. They come with easy to use flip lever locks instead of the wing nut type fasteners on the 3011. The combination 3021 and 3047 will run you about $195.</p>

Fred, thanks for your posts. I think I'm finally beginning to understand some of the basics of flash photography.

Would it be safe to say that the custom function setting is why I get a quick flash and slow shutter speed using my flash in aperture value? What I'm getting is not "flash photography" but ambient light photography with fill flash. Is that correct?

I'm going to have to carry a cheat sheet for all these custom function settings!

It's fun to read what's in other shooters bags. I'm so jealous! I can only dream of having some of the great items you all have tucked away in your bags, especially an L lens or three. ;-)

<p>In my cheapie no-name bag:</li>

<li>Canon Elan IIe</li>

<li>Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5</li>

<li>Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6</li>

<li>Canon 50mm 1.8 Mk II</li>

<li>Fuji Superia 400</li>

<li>notebook & pen</li>

<p>In my black and white bag:</li>

<li>Canon Elan II</li>

<li>Canon 380EX flash

<li>Minolta Spot Meter F (which I've not yet learned to use)</li>

<li>assorted b&w filters</li>

<li>AAA & 2CR5 batteries</li>

<li>Kodak T-Max 100</li>

<p>In my little Domke F-3 (which, surprisingly, holds a lot):</li>

<li>Elan IIe</li>

<li>Zenitar 16mm 2.8 Fisheye</li>

<li>Canon 24mm 2.8</li>

<li>Canon 50mm 1.8 Mk I</li>

<li>Canon 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS</li>

<li>Canon 75-300 4-5.6 IS</li>

<li>assorted filters</li>

<li>Fuji Superia 200 and 400</li>

<li>Fuji Velvia that I've not yet tried</li>

<li>cable release</li>

<li>camera to tripod mount</li>

<li>Elan II/IIe Magic Lantern book</li>

<li>microfiber cloth</li>

<li>notebook & pen</li>

<p>My next purchase will likely be a 1.4x teleconverter although I'm also looking for a clean, bargain-priced Canon 85mm f/1.8. I probably shouldn't buy anything. Instead, I should take more time to use what I have.

Jim:

You guessed WRONG, because I DID check the archives before posting this question. I typed in Canon 75-300 vs. Canon 100-300 and was rewarded with the following (and more) headers:

"European trip-desparate for advice!! (photo.net ) (more like this)

EF 100-400 IS vs 100-300 5.6L vs 70-200 4L (Canon EOS ) (more like this)

Which lens would give me the best quality? (Canon EOS ) (more like this)

Objective Lens Tests and ratings (photo.net ) (more like this)

Canon 75-300 IS optics? (Camera Equipment ) (more like this)

Which Lens for backpacking (Nature Photography ) (more like this)

Low-end Nikon vs Canon for upper-beginner? (photo.net ) (more like this)

Lenses for Alaska trip (Canon EOS ) (more like this)"

In my search, I did learn that most people feel the 100-300 was sharper and I learned that most people felt the 75-300 IS was less sharp than my 28-135 IS (you were correct about my typo). However, I did not learn whether people thought it would be worth my time and/or money to sell my 75-300 and replace it with a 100-300 under the conditions that I would be using it (1.4x teleconverter; 8x10 enlargement).

Despite your apparent need to act a self-appointed photo.net cop, mother, what-have-you, I do thank you for replying to my post.

I own the Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 USM. I've read the Canon 100-300

f/4.5-5.6 USM is sharper, but is it sharp enough to make it worth

selling my barely used 75-300 to get a new/used 100-300? How do

these lenses compare in sharpness to Canon's 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 IS

USM? I've read that it's not as sharp as my 28-300 IS USM, which I'm

quite pleased with.

At this early stage of my photography hobby, I do not forsee

enlargements greater than 8x10 inches. However, I do plan to purchase

a 1.4x teleconverter, which will decrease sharpness. I'm looking at

a Tamron brand for this application as I understand the more

expensive Canon brand will not work with my non-L lenses.

Comments? Suggestions?

Alan:

I too am sorry to hear about your photography loss. I know this kind of thing can happen anywhere, but Italy seems to be especially bad. My parents traveled all over the U.S. and Europe and the only problem they had was on a bus in Italy. It was an entire family of Italian female bandits. A woman with a baby pretended to stumble, practically dropping her baby. My dad reached out to catch the child as a second woman snatched his wallet then passed it on to a young girl. He got his wallet back, but only because he made a small scene and threatened to have the bus driver call the police to meet them at their next stop. It's a shame that those women are raising a whole new generation of thieves.

Jackson:

I too have the 28-105 and the 24mm Canon lenses. Surprisingly, there is a big difference between the coverage of a 24mm and 28mm lens. In addition, the Canon 24mm 2.8 is very sharp. I think you'll be happy with it.

For my own tastes, a 20mm lens would be too wide for most shots. But that doesn't mean it would be too wide for you. I would suggest you take your camera body to your local store and try them both on for size, keeping in mind that the 20mm costs a pretty penny more than the 24mm. While you're at it, take your 28-105 so you can compare the difference between 24mm and 28mm yourself.

Nancy:

I would suggest you buy an Elan II or Elan 7 body. The Elan II, especially if you purchased one used, is a bargain for the price. A new one might be hard to find because it was recently replaced with the Elan 7.

The kit lens that comes with the Elan II/7 cameras are OK for the average beginner, but for what you want to do, you'll definitely want to look at a better lens. The 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent lens at a bargain price.

Whatever you get, shop around. My favorite camera store is a reputable online store: www.bhphotovideo.com Give them a look before you plunk down your cash at Ritz. B&H also sells used merchandise. I know you said you wanted to buy new, as I did with my first SLR, but I soon realized the bargains that could be had buying used and I've always been happy with B&H used cameras/lenses.

Melissa

I have three Elan II cameras (two I purchased used) and I'm very happy with them. They don't have the annoying assist flash that's on the Rebel and the Elan 7.

If you are on a tight budget and are serious about getting a good starter setup, consider a used Elan II, used 28-105 and a used 50mm f/1.8 (although you might find the 50mm affordable new). The 50mm will take care of your low light needs and the 28-105 will make for a convenient daylight lens. Later, you might add a 100-300mm or 75-300mm lens.

Ebay is a good place to find used deals if you are careful. Be sure to check the sellers feedback rating and be cautious of first-time Ebayers selling big ticket items. www.bhphotovideo.com carries new and used camera equipment and is a reputable online dealer.

NK Guy:

Your site has some great flash info. It's going to take me awhile to get through it all, but so far I've found it informative and easy to read. I already found the answer I was looking for, that is, how to use the flash in AV mode.

Thanks for the link to your http://photonotes.org site. I will definitely be spending more time there.

I purchased a used Canon Speedlite 380EX flash and need to get hold

of an instruction manual. I've checked the Canon site, eosdoc.com

and dozens of sites listed in my Google searches, but none have what

I'm looking for.

Any ideas where a 380EX owners manual can be downloaded, purchased or

begged for?

I don't know how your price compares with US currency. Before you buy locally, you might want to give www.bhphotovideo.com a look. Last time I looked, they still had two used 28-105 USM lens in stock for $159 USD in #10 (like new) condition.

I bought one myself. It came in the mail a couple days ago, but I've not yet taken it out for a spin. I'm expecting it to be a good lens.