ericreagan

<p>I'm a big fan of the Think Tank Photo Streetwalker HardDrive. I've flown with it without issue. (Even on the smaller regional jets.) I did a full on review and rundown of it <a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2009/03/16/think-tank-photo-streetwalker-harddrive-review/">here</a> .</p>

<p>I've also been using the Rotation360 and Airport Addicted v 2.0. Both of which are awesome bags, though I have yet to fly with either of them. I can easily drop 40lbs in the Airport Addicted though.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

Aaron: Sorry for the misunderstanding, but I weeded out the blurry shots before uploading them. I meant for the gallery to be a sampling of the subject matter, not specific examples of the blurry shots.

<p>

Glen: Thanks for the resource references. This is the type of info that I was searching for.

<p>

Mark U: I was using AI Servo. I varied the focus points from middle to one left or right of middle depending on where I was at on the track.

<p>

William: I began panning well before releasing the shutter. I feel like was pretty steady with the focus points on the shot. However, maybe you are on to something.

<p>

Thanks for the replies guys.

<p>

Eric

Disclaimer: I've done a site search and a google search and haven't found what

I'm looking for. Therefore, I ask for the learned ones' help.

<p>

I've been shooting with a Rebel XT for about 3 years now. I haven't really

given much thought to AF results over that period; however, back in October I

went to a motorcycle race at Road Atlanta. While shooting, I was chimping a bit

along the way, and noticed that a I was getting more sharp blue and purple bikes

than I was yellow and white (among other light and dark colors). When I got

back and dumped the photos on my computer, I confirmed this suspicion. While

some of the photos may have been blurry from panning/motion blur rather than

failure of the AF, I think the ratio of sharp dark subjects to sharp light

subjects confirms my suspicion.

<p>

My opinion is that the Rebel XT is getting better AF on darker subjects (bikes)

than lighter ones as a result of the increased contrast against the gray track.

<p>

I'm curious about a deeper technical understanding of this AF behavior, if, in

fact, my opinion is correct. If I'm wrong, let me know and give me your further

thoughts.

<p>

In case you're interested, visit my gallery from the <a

href="http://ericreagan.smugmug.com/gallery/3724894/1/213757166#213757166">2007

WERA Grand National Finals</a> for the subject samples discussed above. Note,

however, that the gallery does not include the numerous out of focus shots

discussed above.

<p>

I await your thoughts.

<p>

Thanks,

<p>

Eric

I'm heading down to Road Atlanta on October 13 for the WERA Grand National

Finals and would like to rent a Canon 100-400 L lens.

My searches keep turning up Professional Photo Resources, Inc. as the place to

rent from in the Atlanta area. http://www.ppratlanta.com

Anybody got any other comments or suggestions on lens rentals in the Atlanta

area (as well as recent testimonials of PPR's service)? I've looked at rentals

via online companies, but I like the $35 range for a single day rather than the

3-day minimum I find at online rental places.

Cheers!

Coming October 17.

<p>

See <a

href="http://www.dpreview.com/news/0709/07090401olympuse1successor.asp">DPReview.com</a>.

<p>

Cheers!

That may be a fake, but I think the leaked <a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2007/06/28/olympus-e-p1-leaked-info/">Olympus E-P1</a> is the real deal:

<p>

<a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2007/06/28/olympus-e-p1-leaked-info/"><img src="http://ericreagan.smugmug.com/photos/167509613-S.jpg"></a>

<p>

Cheers!

I concur with Bob. The 70-300 is frequently compared to the image quality of the 70-200 f/4 L. While not quite there, it doesn't seem to be to far off.

Cheers!

<i>I've been thinking about spending less bucks for a camera, thinking about the rebel xt or xti or 350d, not sure yet.</i>

<p>

Why not consider the Nikon D40 or D50? Both are dirt cheap and, although you can't use AF on the two lenses that you list on the D40, you wouldn't have to get a converter. If use of those two lenses are a real concern, then obviously, you're budget is rather tight. If I were in your shoes, I would strongly consider the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-Digital-Camera-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G%2Fdp%2FB0009GZANC%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics%26qid%3D1181408769%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Nikon D50.</a> However, at the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Zoom-Nikkor%2Fdp%2FB000KJQ1DG%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics%26qid%3D1181408755%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">sale price of $512 (with lens) on Amazon</a>, the D40 is a steal with a lens right now.

<p>

Cheers!

The only official word from Sony came at PMA. See <a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2007/05/26/sony-alpha-pro-and-semi-pro-preview/">this post</a>. I would expect the prosumer version this fall and the pro version to be the one to come out next year.

<p>

Cheers!

<a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2007/05/31/sony-alpha-update/">Here's the latest</a> I've heard on the new Sony bodies. I expect to see the mid-level (Think 30D or D200 level) in the fall. Next year for the pro.

<p>

Cheers!

<i>So im a beginning photographer and want to buy a lens . . . </i>

<p>

How about a good book first?

<p>

Get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1180631788%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson. It'll be the best $15 you spend on photography.

<p>

Cheers!

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_and_shoot">Point and Shoot</a>.

<p>

Cheers!

FWIW, I've got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKenko-Auto-Extension-Tube-Set%2Fdp%2FB000A1N8F8%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics%26qid%3D1180466130%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">this Kenko set</a> and they work fine with my Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 EX DG and other non-EF-S lenses.

<p>

Cheers!

<i>Since this is a once in a lifetime shot for me, is there anyone who has been there who has any words of advice as to what are the optimum settings (f no / ISO / shutter speed etc) are for this sort of shot.</i>

<p>

If you don't have a handle on what makes a proper exposure, get and read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps%26field-keywords%3Dunderstanding%2Bexposure%26Go.x%3D0%26Go.y%3D0%26Go%3DGo&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson. It'll be the best $15 you spend on photography.

<p>

Consider practicing some before the launch. Right, no spaceships to shoot, but I'd think that an airport would be a good place to take some practice shots. Go at the same time of day for your practice shots.

<p>

Also, surf the web for sample shots and see what you like. Get some ideas and look at the exposure info. There's a ton of <a href=" shuttle shots on flickr</a> - a lot of folks list their full EXIF data on there. Try other photo sharing sites too. My $.02. Good luck.

<p>

Cheers!

Assuming you've got the kit lens, why not add the <a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2006/12/13/a-must-have-lens-for-canon-users/">EF 50 f/1.8 II</a> for your "portait" range, given that none of your possibilities have a shallow DOF at 50mm. It's quite the amazing lens for $70.

<p>

Cheers!

The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCanon-Wireless-Remote-Control-Digital%2Fdp%2FB00004WCIC%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Delectronics%26qid%3D1180360406%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Canon RC-1</a> is $21. It works great for my 350D. I haven't tried anything else, but I'm very happy with it.

<p>

Cheers!

This one's a little dated, only goes up to 8MP:

http://www.camerafarm.com.au/camera/customer/pages.php?pageid=22

Cheers!

<i>maybe someone can guide me or give me suggestions on books or something to get</i>

<p>

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FPhotoshop-Elements-Digital-Photographers-VOICES%2Fdp%2F0321476735%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1179785645%26sr%3D8-4&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">The Photoshop Elements 5 Book for Digital Photographers</a> by Scott Kelby is the best bang for your buck on learning Photoshop.

<p>

Cheers!

<i>Is that a good solution for me or what?</i>

<p>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/equipment/building-a-digital-slr-system/">Start here</a>.

<p>

Cheers!

<a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2007/03/10/how-to-take-better-photos/">How to Take Better Photos</a>.

<p>

Cheers!

Good advice from previous posters. When you get back from the dog show, buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FUnderstanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated%2Fdp%2F0817463003%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1178990086%26sr%3D8-1&tag=cyclingshots-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325">Understanding Exposure</a> by Bryan Peterson. You will "get it" after you read this book. It will be the best $15 you spend on photography.

<p>

Cheers!

I concur with the Bryan Peterson recommendation. I have a couple others that I would recommend for a beginner in "digital" photography. See <a href="http://www.photographybay.com/2007/03/10/how-to-take-better-photos/">here</a>.

<p>

Cheers!

Will,

I've stacked the 3 Kenko tubes with no problem on my rather heavy Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. AF still works too - if there's enough light.

Cheers!