patlovell

<p>Hi Cole,<br>

Definitely some great suggestions.<br>

If your budget is tight but you want to get the most out of a couple of lenses, I would recommend getting a 28-75mm f2.8 for your outdoor/action and something like a 70-300mm 4-5.6 for some longer shots.<br>

The 2 lenses will give you some good range from up close to semi-far and you can get both for under $700.<br>

I still use both of the sizes I recommended and I've had the 300mm since 2002 and originally used it with my Elan 7 film camera. The 75mm is one of my favorites as well.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I actually did a piece on shooting sports photography on a budget for a publication.</p>

<p>I would recommend the Canon 40d or 50d (relatively inexpensive and great for sports) and you can find many good lens that are inexpensive and will do the job. IE. Tamron, Sigma, Tokina<br>

Monopod - I have used cheap versions but have found spending $100-150 on an Induro carbon fiber is the way to go, I bought 3 $39.95 Promasters before I realized they were only lasting about 2 months each at football games. I might be a bit rough on them but I move around a lot at a football game and shoot standing, kneeling and sitting, so the monopod gets a good workout.</p>

<p>Steve is right, you might even look at a Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 (67mm), it's a fast lens and takes crisp sports shots (check the basketball photos in my portfolio) and is good for action in low light. It also fits in the price range you are looking into.<br>

You can add a 1.4x or 2x converter to the lens for some length if you need it.</p>

<p>I think surveying your customers (or potential customers in this case) is a great idea. You need to know the answers to your questions, there may be a very simple reason people aren't buying.<br>

a. The site could be confusing<br>

b. They might not know how to purchase<br>

c. The purchasing options may not fit their needs<br>

d. Payment processor may not be what they want to use<br>

e. not enough options<br>

f. too expensive</p>

<p>I don't know your site but would think they could be the most common reasons.</p>

<p>Also, what are you doing for traffic? That answer might explain why there are no buyers.</p>

<p>Pat Lovell</p>

<p>I would go with Godaddy and if you do use the coupon - Chill7 and you will get a domain for the year for $7.49</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Indiana University Basketball vs. Northwestern State - Saturday Nov. 28th<br>

<img src="http://patlovell.smugmug.com/Sports/Indiana-vs-Northwestern-State/IMG0202/726364066_JLN6E-L.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="600" /></p>

<p>More Indiana Basketball</p>

<p><img src="http://patlovell.smugmug.com/Sports/Indiana-vs-Northwestern-State/IMG0480/726375309_rNHGL-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>One more Indiana Basketball</p>

<p><img src="http://patlovell.smugmug.com/Sports/Indiana-vs-Northwestern-State/IMG0278/726367543_JKPxC-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>