brian_hutchison2

I hope this really is for the US. Unfortunately, I just bought the 35L, but I've been holding off on the 70-200mm f/2.8L for possible rebates... and wife approval.

Fixed aperture means you can use that aperture throughout the zoom range (from 17mm to 55mm). It does not mean you *have* to. Its sometimes called constant aperture. You are not the first to be confused by this.

 

The 28-135mm is not the same -- you can only use the f/3.5 aperture at the wide end. If you zoom it out, you'll be at f/5.6.

 

Having the fixed/constant aperture *available* to you is a very good thing.

I have a cheapo (Transcend) 8GB CF card in my 40D, and it has been working flawlessly.

 

I think your searches here and elsewhere will answer your XSi vs. 40D question better than I could.

My bang for the buck comment comes from this set of facts courtesy of B+H: in 77mm filters (of the UV, Haze & Protection variety), the Pro1 multi-coated Hoya is $86.95, SH-PMC Heliopan is $120.50, and the MRC B+W is $124.95.

 

I am sure in some categories, Hoyas can cost more, but as I tried to explain, my comments were based upon my experiences.

I have the 40D and the 24-105 lens also. I have the Heliopan UV filter (Heliopan 77mm UV

(SUPER MC) SH-PMC FILTER) and the B+W Circular Polarizer (77mm Kaeseman MRC -

non-slim). Both are excellent, both in build quality and optically.

 

I used to use Hoyas exclusively but no longer - I find the B+Ws and Heliopans better

(again, build and optics) and easier to clean. I still consider Hoyas to be a fantastic bang

for the buck and recommend them unreservedly to folks about to purchase lower-tier

brands. Brand preferences can be very personal, based on each photographer's

experiences, so I wouldn't put down the Hoyas, I just have my own opinion here.

 

Keep in mind that your 24-105L is only weather resistant if you have a front-filter on it.

Bob is right, all hard drives can fail. I've had good luck with Seagates in recent years, and

recommend the Seagate FreeAgent Pro drives usually.

I suggest the EF 35mm f/2 lens for about $230.

another tell-tale sign is if they call you up and say that the advertised camera is a plastic body, and if you want to upgrade it to the standard body, that will cost extra.

 

General rule: if its more than 10% or so below B+H Photo, lookout.

 

Exception: sometimes you can get some coupons/promotions, such as a recent deal on Dell.com for the xti that can net a really good deal.

What mode are you shooting in? I have a 40D, and under the full auto mode (and the "Basic Zone" modes like Sports), there is no RAW option. Doesn't bother me since I am usually using P, Av, Tv, or one of my own defined modes.