dale_yarbrough

Ever spent time in a hardware store looking for a simple hammer? Could you have ever guessed there are three dozen or more types of hammers offered for the simple task of of driving a nail?

Well, neither did I, but when I saw what was offered, my "horizons" were broadened. Now, not only could I drive a nail but I could do so the best and most effective way known to man. Wood, steel, or fiberglass handle? 8" length, 12" length, or the steroid enchanced 21 incher? They were all there for the asking....and the prices....from $6 to $65 hard-earned bucks. Whew! All I wanted was a simple hammer!

But...they were not all offered just to provide me a method for weekend warrior work, but to offer the entire hammer market the one tool that would best fit their need.

I say Canon does the same thing.....The tool you want or need may not be the same as I would want or need. Maybe not all of us would want IS or ring USM regardless of the cost. Should Canon only offer the lens market tools that meet your (or my) needs and wishes? I don't think so, and I don't think you do either.

I have been in a similar position always seeming to "discover" another small niche that Canon has a product for. Several times I made purchases of Canon equipment (both moderate and expensively priced) that I "just had to have" only to find I didn't really need it after all. Is that Canon's fault that I made a purchase based on my own (percieved or real)inadequacies?

I say no. It's my own failing....I'm to blame, not the product manufacturer.

So I say this: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Fuji, Kodak, ad infinitum....please continue to offer a wide range of products and I'll be the one to decide which is worthwhile and which are not.

Ripping us off? Are you serious?

Matt:

Take a look at E-Bay under the Pentax 67 stuff. There is usually a listing for a shop manual for about $40 or so.

Good luck!

Arthur:

Personally, I have fallen into the trap of always "needing the latest & greatest" gadget and am constantly looking for confirmation that I have the best toys I can get. I'm trained as an engineer so I guess it is to be expected that I would be oriented to the tech side. However, after reading many of the the forum entries, I believe many of us have fallen prey to the manufacturer's "look what's coming out next" routine. For instance, in the Canon EOS forum, there is usually at least one question per day regarding the (potential) release of a replacement for the 5D. And for what? The 5D is more camera than most of us will ever need, but folks just can't seem to let the issue rest. If we spent nearly as much time actually taking photos as we do wondering about every technical detail of a body or lens I believe we would all be happier personally.

I appreciate your thought-provoking question. It has started me thinking of my own (quite ridiculous) obsession with equipment and how that mind-set absolutely conflicts with my reasoning for practicing photography in the first place.

Thanks for opening my eyes.

Paul:

I have a 5D as well and also a 1V-HS, both very impressive cameras. However, I would never think of parting with my EOS-3. It's like a member of the family. I have spent many enjoyabale hours using the "3", so selling it would mean deserting an old friend; especially considering it never let me down when the situation was tough.

Keep it man! Don't part with it. You'll regret it.

Hi Paul:

I presently use both a Pentax 67II as well as a Canon 5D so I can speak a bit about both film and digital. As stated above, the 67II is big, and heavy, and a little quirky but for me it's really fun to use. I have a wide variety of lenses (from a 35mm "fish-eye" to a 400mm f4.0 EDIF)as well as a host of accessories so I can amuse myself (& my photo friends) for many hours. Once you have seen the chromes on a lightbox you will understand the fascination with this behemoth. If you like attention, the 67II will provide many opportunities to discuss it's merits with gawkers. I don't mind at all. It gives me a chance to expound on it's virtues, and usually, even hardcore digital shooters want to give it a try. I have two 67II bodies, a strong tripod (Bogen 3251 with ball & Gimbal heads) and have had nothing but good luck and lots of fun. The only problematic issue I am aware of is the use of 220 film causing some film advance levers to malfunction. Other than that, the camera and associated accoutrements are built like a truck (and weigh about the same as...). Reviewing e-bay I have seen nice 67II's go for about a grand or so, sometimes less.

So, if you're looking for lots of fun, very good equipment, and beautiful chromes, give the 67II a try. I suggest you do a little homework first though and learn the differences between the Takumar and SMC lenses. There is a BIG difference in their quality so be cautious. Then, read all you can in the Pentax MF forum and then go have some fun!

Good luck and happy shooting!

Jonathan:

I would recommend you keep what you have until you have enough experience to make a wise decision. I would suggest you instead invest your money in a good tripod. Use of a tripod will make a huge impact on your photography, especially in terms of photo "crispness."

No class, online or otherwise, can provide the type of "learning experience" you will get by just shooting and shooting. Get some good books (Bryan Peterson, John Shaw, George Lepp) and study what the Pro's offer. (You can usually pick these up on e-bay for a few bucks...)

Finally, don't make the same mistakes I have....that is, buying a new lens or other gadget without first really knowing what you want or need. It's a waste of money and usually results in remorse.

Read. Go shoot. Then decide.

Good luck!

Ross is correct. However, though the 3021 PRO is inexpensive, it is not cheap. It is a well built tripod and if not intentionally mistreated, should last many years. I also have the same ball-head that Ken has. I use the ball head for landscape work and the 3047 head and a Velbon Mag Slider (also inexpensive) for intricate macro work. So, don't buy cheap...just buy wisely!

I use a Bogen 3021 Pro with a Bogen 3047 Head. Neither is very expensive and are 'relatively' light-weight. The 3021 has several beneficial features...one being quick to set up and the other being able to change the center column to horizontal for close-to-the-ground work. This system is not as light-weight as carbon fiber but for the price and for the ability to use the tripod for macro work makes it a favorite of mine. (Check B&H's site for the latest prices.)

I have seen some for sale on e-bay as well. Good luck!

Thanks for the response John. I was really searching to see if anyone had experienced any problems or special nuances while using the combination. I have an opportunity to purchase Canon's 400mm f2.8 and was interested in hearing of any actual experience, good or bad.

Anyone have specific experience using a 400mm/f2.8L on a EOS 5D?

B&H has changed their listing to say November....

Brad: I shoot a 67II up to and including a 400mm EDIF. I use a Bogen 3251 tripod with a Bogen 468MG Hydrostatic Ball Head and shoot mainly landscapes. I have had excellent results....however, I always use the MLU feature to minimize any camera induced movement.

Juha:

No, no nascar for me.....I get asked that allot!

Keith: Thanks (I think!) for your input. Now you're making me take a closer look at the 400mm/f2.8....why did you have to bring it up? (just kidding!) Oh my....more research!

John: I appreciate your input. After reading all of the responses I was pretty convinced the 500mm was the way to go...and to confess, I had researched both units and had decided myself the 500mm was better suited for me.....but you know how the draw of the "bigger" lens can somtimes lead you astray....I really wanted to be pushed to the 500mm and now I am convinced. Thanks!

 

Mark: Thanks for the info. You raise several good issues that I have given some thought to. I was planning to purchase the Wimberley from B&H just for this application. I have recently purchased a Bogen specifically for this type of work and will dedicate this tripod to the Wimberley. As for the length of my hikes, let's just say this...if the subject is more than a few hundred yards from my location I'll wait 'till it moves closer! I also shoot a Pentax 67II so I am familiar with the effort required to move something heavy and cumbersome. Long hikes are not part of my vocabulary! Thanks again.

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the input. I shoot mainly larger mammals (Yellowstone, Glacier, etc.) and some hiking is required. Think I'll purchase the 500mm and save the additional money for better lunches!

Thanks again!

Has anyone had experience with both lenses? I finally saved enough lunch money

to buy a Canon telephoto and I'd like to find someone to help me compare the

two. Thanks in advance!