jennifer ann

<p>Can anyone recommend a better tripod? Maybe with multi leg positions? I think the Gitzo Explorer is out<br>

of my price range. I just want a sturdy pod that I can low to the ground with for flower and insect shots.</p>

<p>Hello Everyone,<br /> Well, now that I have my macro lens, I am itching to buy a quality tripod to shoot my macro's<br /> with. I am really interested in this one:<br /> <br /> http://www.adorama.com/GTMT9360.html<br /> <br /> because I really like the way the center column can tilt and get you at low, awkward angles.<br /> Anyone using this one or one similar? I have already chose my head, it is a<br /> Giottos MH-1300 whith MH-657 quick release system.<br>

If you have any suggestions that are in my price range, $150-$175, for the tripod only, I would welcome them.<br>

I do like the way the center column moves on this tripod, so I am looking for something similar.<br>

Thanks everyone.</p>

I recently picked up the Sigma 17-70 and so far I am very happy with it. I do not find the AF motor to be loud at all and image quality and color/contrast has been great. All in all I really like this lens, I was torn between this lens and the tammy and I am glad for the extra 20mm reach it gives.

http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=14

 

http://www.adorama.com/HY72CPLP1.html

 

Sorry, I do not know how to make them links, but these are the pages. I am in the US

I am considering a Hoya 72m Pro1 Polarizer for my new lens. This filter lists for $172 at Adorama, but I found a

place

called hvStar.com that has the same filter for $64. Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with this company?

Thanks

I recently had my mind set on a Sigma 17-70 to replace my kit lens on my XTi, but I have stumbled across this

lens in my review searching:

 

Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 EX Aspherical DG DF - I like the fact that it is a constant 2.8.

 

My question is which do you think will give me better optical quality and bokeh? I really want a sharp lens with

good contrast and color.

 

I will be shooting mainly landscapes and weddings.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Actually I am apprenticing with an established photographer, and I have asked for her advice. I just thought I would get additional feed back from others. I do not consider myself a pro in any way, I am just learning and asking questions.

Thanks for your feedback.

I am a bit confused about some lenses. I was thinking to purchase the 24-105 F4L IS for a primary lens for my

XTi. I have been hearing many great things about the 17-55 F2.8 IS, so now I am unsure which would be the better

of the two. I first thought the way the 17-55 was raved about that it was an L lens, but I see its not, but I

hear the IQ is great. The things that matter most to me are IQ and a nice bokeh. I will be shooting landscapes

and weddings. Any thoughts into this matter would be greatly appreciated, as this will be my main working lens

and the only purchase I will be able to make for a while.

Wes,

I am using a XTi, which has a 1.6 crop, that is why I was concerned that the 150 may be too long for me. I have ready every review I can find and I am still very undecided on which way to go.

I am trying to choose between these two lenses: Canon 100mm Macro and the Sigma

150mm Macro. I will be shooting flowers, frogs, insects, butterflys and such. I

know the longer working distance will be helpful, but is this lens (the 150)

more difficult to use? Will I be able to use this for

other applications?

Any advice on this subject would be much appreciated.

I want it mostly for protection, along with the hood. Should i get the Skylight or the UV?

They both seem similar in what they do.

I need to purchase a 72mm filter for my lens. Does anyone have any experience

with the Opteka filters? I can get 3 for the price of 1 Hoya. I was also wonder

about the Digital Concepts, Adorama sells a kit of theirs for less also.

I am putting most of my money into my lens so I do not have much left over.

Thanks

Gosh, Thanks everyone!

 

I do use a tripod (not always, thought)

I shoot in RAW, I have CS3, knowledge of how to

tweak an image - I am a Graphic Designer.

I do not have a shutter release and I have not tried the mirror lock up.

 

So, maybe I should really save and buy an better Canon lens and practice some of these other techniques?

 

I value everyones opinion, but I am still so confused. My main goal is to achieve a better IQ that I can print out at about 11x14.

 

My true heart lies in Macro and I originally wanted the 100 Macro by Canon, but thought I had better upgrade my all purpose lens first.

My shooting interests are landscape/sunrise/sunsets. Flowers, pets, and things like that. I do want the flexibility of a small zoom. I am not interested in a prime right now. I do like to print out my pics at a

11x14 size for local competitions and critiques. So that said, I am not happy with the image quality, the softness, the chromatic-aberrations.

The Sigma interested me with its wide angle and somewhat "macro" capabilities as I really wanted the 100mm Macro, but it is not in the budget right now and I really think I need to upgrade my kit lens.

Any other suggestions or ideas?

I have an XTi. I have the 18-55 kit lens which I am not happy with.

 

I have narrowed it down to these for a general walk around lens to replace my

kit lens:

 

Canon EFS 17-85 F4-5.6 USM IS

 

Canon 28-105 F3.5-4.5 II USM

 

Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5 DC Macro

 

 

I do not have the money for an L lens but I want more quality than my kit lens

is giving me. Budget is 350 - 450 aprrox.

Do I need IS? I really want something that is going to give me a sharp picture.

I am very unhappy with my current lens, and I do use a tripod.

Thanks for all your help!

Thanks everyone, but I think I am more confused that when I started!

Ok Dan, I would love to hear the reason not to purchase the 50 mm prime, as I am curious. The reason I am leaning towards the Sigma 17-70 is the Macro capabilities it has, along with being a good all around lens to keep on the camera. I also have the 75-300. I really wanted to get the 100mm Macro by Canon, as I absolutely love to get really close.

I am having a very tough time deciding on which lens to purchase for my XTi for

an everyday walk around lens. I am new and very leary of buying anything but

Canon, but Canon is much more expensive. I think I have narrowed my search down

to these two lens: Sigma 17-70 and the gold ring series Canon 28-105.

I do not think either of these has IS, which I would like. My budget is approx.

$350. Please give me your opinions on these 2 lenses.

Thanks!

Hello,

I have had my heart set on a Canon 100mm Macro lens for a while now. I have done

the research and feel that this is the best lens for me.

BUT.....

Now my budget has been much reduced and I really do not have the $500 it is

going to take to buy this lens and I cannot find any used ones around.

So my question is what is my next best thing to purchase, I realistically have

only about $300 to spend.

I currently have the Rebel XTi with the kit 18-55 and a 75-300.

Thanks all

I am planning on purchasing the 100mm Canon Macro lens. I love close up work,

but I have been reading that I could purchase the Sigma 17-70, maybe add

extension tubes and/or a teleconverter and get the same results and have another

good all around lens.

Is this true? I do not wish to sacrifice quality. I have a Rebel XTi.

This lens sounds like what I am seeking, 28-105, but when you say "macro capability" what does that mean exactly? This is in my price range and I am wondering if I could get away with using this for macro and holding off on the more expensive "true macro" - thoughts?

Thanks everyone,

My budget is approx. $300-$400. I guess I will stay away from long telephoto right now, and stick with landscape & macro. I am getting the dedicated macro lens and wanted another all around lens to keep on the camera and replace the 18-55 kit lens.

Thanks again.

Hello,

I am looking for your opinions on what is a good "all around lens" to keep on my

camera for most shots. I have the Rebel XTi, with the kit 18-55 lens that does

not get alot of good PR. I would like a bit more working distance than 55mm.

I am on a limited budget, and I am hoping to get the 100mm macro lens, as macro

is my passion. My other interests are shooting landscapes and wildlife. So that

said, what do you think is the right lens?

Do I need to get one with IS?

Thanks in Advance!

Thanks everyone, I feel much safer buying one knowing all this.

Thanks Bryan.

I read somewhere that the SanDisk 2 GB Extreme III Compact Flash Memory Card

was not compatible with the Rebel XTi. Is this true? I have the ScanDisk II, but

wanted another and I was going to go for the Extreme III>

Thanks in advance!