astcell

I had a D100 with a bad pixel. Took it back to the dealer on the 30th day and swapped it out.

 

I have had three bad F5 bodies.

 

One bad F4 which Nikon swapped out as soon as I told them I had a loaner from Canon.

 

I miss the days of my F2A which lasted for ever!

Here is something to consider. I bought the 85/1.2L lens and I love it. I knew a Mark II was due soon but I could not wait. Now that the Mark II is out and costs over 25% more (it is expensive enough already!) my version all of a sudden is in higher demand because the Mark II is just out of reach.

 

The 70-200IS may be $1700, but if the Mark II version ends up being $2500, the original version will still have demand.

 

I am going back to prime lenses and will sell my 70-200IS, I am sure I will not lose any money on it since I bought it when it was still $1499.

Bring back the 200/1.8 and add IS.

Covering the "Canon" on your Canon camera is like covering "Corvette" on your sports car. It won't help terribly much.

 

First off, call your insurance company and request a zero ductible for the length of your vacation. when you get back home you can change the deductible and only pay the extra for the time you are gone.

 

When you carry your camera, have it across your shoulder down to your opposite arm. Have the strap go across your back and chest. It is tougher to remove it form you this way than if you just had it dangling from your hand as you walk.

 

You may wish to get the Tamron lens cases that individually link to a large belt as well, so that you are literally wearing everything that you own.

 

If you are worried about a cut and run where your camera strap is cut (happens in Panama) then look into a chain camera strap or sew some 4 guage wire into your strap.

 

All this may just stop a thief of opportunity. The pro will either pull a gun on you, steal it from the hotel safe or grab it while you are on the plane, among other opportunities.

 

I hope you can relax enough to take pictures.

I traded my 24-70/2.8 straight across for the 35/1.4, and I plan to buy the 24/1.4 next. I find hat the primes will focus faster in dim light. I have always found primes to be crister and sharper. If you can afford the extra money, weight, and burden of prime lenses they are still the best way to go.

This same lens question is in this month's Shutterbug magazine!

It took a bit to learn it down pat, but now it is my prime choice for cleaning lenses and filters. I have three so that I never misplace one.

I am with you there. I had the 85/1.8 for one day and sold it to get the 85/1.2 and havenot looked back since. I later traded my 24-70/2.8 for a 35/1.4. I find that these fast L primes beat out anything else out there.

 

I do want the 50/1.0 but for the same money I will get the 200/1.8 first.

Beware the REFRESH button, it took 24 hours on one of my batteries! Make sure you have the time!

I wish it was f/2.8. The f/4 is a real compromise to me.

I have used Extreme III, they feel a little thicker. I buy the best cards I can afford, currently useing Ultra II in 4GB abd 8GB, and a 1GB Extreme III. It was only $20 more that the Ultra II 1GB. What can it hurt?

I remember the F-1, A-1, AE-1, AV-1, AT-1.... Keep your catalogs!

Bodies come and go. Put your money in the glass. I have a 1D Mark II and love the tough build of it. At this rate a 1D Mark III will be 12.3MP and 8.5fps. The 1Ds Mark III will be, at this growth rate, 23MP and 4fps. It is bound to happen sooner or later. The original 1Ds was $8k, then it dropped to $3500 when the Mark II came out. With the news of the 5D I see the 1Ds going for aorund $2900 now.

 

Invest in gold, silver, stocks, bonds, even the 50/1.0 and 200/1.8 lenses. But when it comes to the bodies, plan on always having it cost you.

That's fine if you like f/4. You can do the 16-35, 24-70 and 70-200 and do 2.8. I am going one better and getting all primes to have more speed. To each his own!

I just traded my 24-70 for a 35/1.4. I am gong back to primes. I sure with Canon had some more prime L lenses!

 

But I'd take the IS lens, you would need it for low light!

I got the 85/1.2 and was hooked. No more zooms, all primes for me now!

If I know what lens I will need, I always use a prime.

I only count L lenses, so they do not have that many. :>

That's one reason I trashed my omni bounce for a light sphere.

Careful, I thought I was over it with the 16-35, 24-70 and 70-200IS. Then I got the 85/1.2. OUCH.

 

Now I want only prime L lenses and no zooms. Somebody help me!

That is why I do not use Quantum any more.

The Canon paperwork that comes with the extender tells you the new close focus distance when it is in use. I use the 12 on my 400/5.6, it gives me 3-4 inches more range, just enough. The 25 will be my next purchase. There are off brand but you lose your shirt should you ever want to sell them.

breezesys.com has one.

True, the image is just cropped, but try looking through a drinking straw at something across the road. You have to stay much steadier than if you were using a paper tower roll.

 

So yes, you eed to be steadier.

I have seen beter images even at 500th/sec when hand held at 200mm. remember to include the magnification factor when doing the 1/shutter speed math. Your 200mm on a 1.6x body makes it a 320mm, so you will need a 320th of a sec or better to keep it relatively steady. If you plan to make images larger than 4x6 then add one shutter speed for each size up.

 

Yes, the IS is worth it.