eosman

Thank you both for your prompt and informative repsonses.

To clarify: yes, I would like to fire the Speedlite 580 EX off-camera but as I only take a few portraits a year do not really want to spend more than $200 so may have to rethink my needs or go the made in China route.

I do have a cheap strobe and umbrella kit but it seems I need a long (10 ft. plus) sync. cord with the special Canon 3 pin remote plug at one end and a regular female sync.socket the other to trigger my shutter and so far have no been able to track down such an animaL. Any further suggestions will be appreciated.

Chris

What gizmo do I need, if any, to trigger an off-camera strobe with my Canon D40/Speedlite 580ex combo.?

Any advice greatly appreciated. Chris

I find ACDSee Pro 2 is perfect for all of my cataloging needs while Photohop over complicated and an overkill for

this 73 year old! . However, I sometimes would like to use the power of Photoshop (I have a copy of PS Elements 6

but it is not loaded) to do bit of cloning say.

Can I use PS Elements 6 (or PSE 2) for post processing only as required but use ACDSee Pro 2 for 90% of my

work without the two conflicting?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris

Thanks to so many members who responded so quickly with first rate suggestions. Just another example of Photonets' sharing code.

Chris

I want to put a LCD screen protector on my new 40D. Has anyone a recommendation?

I am looking for something other than the flimsy stuff which you have to try

and apply then squeeze out the bubbles.

Chris

I agree with Conrad Erb re: the Canon EFS 17-85mm IS. Giving you the 28-135mm equivalent this lens can be the only one you need to carry for day to day use.

Chris

I traded in the bundled lens (Canon EF 18-55mm) for the superior but, of course, more expensive Canon EFS 17-85 mm IS (Image Stabilizer). A great all round lens for every day use. Long terms the investment is worth it. I cannot comment on non-Canon lenses but Tamron and Sigma certainly both offer excellent but cheaper alternatives.

Chris