catherine_vodrey

Hi folks! I just bought a Canon EOS 40D digital camera (with which I'm

thrilled!) and need to upgrade my camera bag. Here's what I need to fit:

 

1) Canon EOS 40D digital camera with lens

2) Canon zoom lens EF 80-200mm

3) Canon macro lens EF 100mm

4) Hood for macro lens

 

I need something plain, durable, rugged and maybe even washable that I won't

mind setting down on a rock. I'd like some outer pockets or other easy-access

areas in which to fit

 

1) Memory cards

2) Extra batteries

3) Small collapsible tripod (a little longer than the length of your hand when

fully collapsed)

4) ???

 

I prefer zippers to Velcro, if possible, and need something that has a shoulder

strap and which will be comfortable for tramping around on long woodwalks. Any

ideas any of you can offer would be great . . . thank you in advance!

Thanks, everyone, for your invaluable input . . . ended up purchasing the Canon 100mm 2.8 f and LOVE LOVE LOVE it so far. Look forward to taking more photos, educating myself and learning as I go . . . in addition have signed up to take a photography course to help me do the best macro photography I can. Thanks to all for your input!

Just three days ago, I made the leap from a film camera (a Canon Rebel I dearly

loved) to digital. After going through a file I'd been keeping for five years

on digital cameras (and throwing out everything from 2003 through 2005 since

the technology has changed so rapidly), I settled on the Canon 40D EOS. I have

been stunned and thrilled with the camera, especially with pictures I've taken

in low light/no flash and with how much closer I can get to my subject.

 

Having said that, I now pine for a dedicated macro lens. The guy at the camera

store (whom I've known all my life and trust) strongly recommended the Sigma

macro 150mm. I want a macro lens to be able to go out and shoot close-ups of

flowers, damselflies, etc. (we live in the middle of the woods of eastern

Ohio). I don't expect that I'll need to use a macro lens a LOT, but do want

the options it offers for nature photography. Here are my questions:

 

1) What does everyone think of the Sigma macro 150mm?

2) If you prefer another macro lens, what is it and why (bear in mind I can't

go over $500)?

3) What about teleconverter lens to make my Canon 40D EOS kit lens into more of

a macro lens than it is?

 

Please remember I'm an amateur! I get a little lost with all the technical

jargon. Thanks so much for your input.

Just three days ago, I made the leap from a film camera (a Canon Rebel I dearly loved) to digital. After going through a file I'd been keeping for five years on digital cameras (and throwing out everything from 2003 through 2005 since the technology has changed so rapidly), I settled on the Canon 40D EOS. Yes, it's expensive (about $1,600 in kit form--meaning it includes the basic lens) but WOW, what a step up I took! If you can possibly scrape together the money, I can guarantee from personal experience that you will be thrilled. Not only does it take fantastic pictures, but those I've taken in low light with no flash have been especially superb. And with the kit lens, I can get much closer than I ever could before, although I still pine for a dedicated macro lens. I waited a good long time before going digital, but I did a TON of research and I'm thrilled with the Canon 40D. I fully expect not to need or want to buy another camera for another decade or two, so it made sense to me to take the financial plunge on the 40D.

I'm new here, so please bear with me!

 

In 1999--before everyone on the face of the planet seemingly switched to

digital--someone dropped my point-and-shoot crap camera at my sister-in-law's

wedding and broke it. Trouble was, I was en route to Alaska just three days

later. Having done zero research and being under something of a deadline with

my Alaska departure looming, I walked into a local camera shop and asked for a

Canon Rebel EOS because a friend of mine had one and had taken great photos

with it. It has been my trusted camera ever since, and I cosistently get

glowing feedback on my photos. I've been delighted with it.

 

I live in the middle of the woods of eastern Ohio, and have been frustrated in

my attempts to take close-up shots, mostly of plant and small animal life.

Bear in mind that I am a COMPLETE amateur who simply loves taking photos. I

want to stick with a Canon lens (as opposed to Tamron or another brand), and

I'd prefer not to spend more than $500 as my absolute upper limit (of course

being able to spend less on something of excellent quality would be great!).

I use auto-focus and 400-speed film probably 90% of the time.

 

Clarity of image and ease of use are pretty much my primary concerns in buying

a close-up lens. I welcome and appreciate suggestions re: a Canon lens that

will help me take crisp, clear, gorgeous close-up shots of such things as

snakes, Queen Anne's lace and violets, insects, fish in nearby Little Beaver

Creek, an eyelash resting on my daughter's cheek, etc.

 

Many thanks for your input!