DSLR newbie + surf photos

T(h)orsten

I am considering changing to Digital SLR. So far I have used a Canon S1 IS and I would like to get some advice if my “plans” make any sense.


The S1 IS I am using mainly for city and scenic shots on weekends/ travel. Almost 100% outdoors. Below you can find a few of my pics just to get an idea what I am currently doing. I appreciate the small size/ weight of the S1 IS (relative compared to a DSLR) and with the quality of most shots I am quite happy. I rarely print images. All for hobby/ fun purposes.





The reason for considering the change is because I would like to

a) take surf photos. The 10x zoom of the S1 IS works, but auto-focus is very slow. Using less zoom and cropping did not really work out as well.



b) I have the impression colours and sharpness are just better on DSLR?!

After some research I am considering the following set-up:


- Canon Digital Rebel XT
- EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens
- EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Autofocus Lens



1) Any thoughts/ recommendations on the hardware selection?

2) Can I shoot hand-held with the 400mm (surf at daylight/ sunrise/ sunset)?

3) Is 400mm sufficient? Is a Teleconverter useful in this case? Which one? Read here that with the 1.4x Canon does not work with the 400mm when it comes to Autofocus (although the B&H chart says so)?!

4) Any other accessories required? Eg have a Circular Polarizer for the 400mm in mind?

5) I am currently located in Sydney … and will be for the near future. Any recommendations on where/ how to buy? Seems that prices in Australia are fairly high compared to the US (up to 1.5 times). Anyone experience with eBay Powersellers, eg “digital-rev-oz”? Any experience on importing from the US, eg buying at B&H (customs, tax etc)?


Thanks!!

gus

That camera & those lenses are very nice & perfect for what you want. Buy a polariser..its madatory in 0z believe me. The 400 focuses perfect but is a bit slow at f5.6 in poor light so just up the ISO to 400 as the camera will do that just great for lower light stuff.

I have bought a lot from Digital-Rev-0z & they will be cheaper than any shop BUT be aware that the is no way of escaping the tax to be paid at customs when the gear lobs. The Ebay seller can write '2nd hand'...'damaged' what-ever but customs aint stupid to Ebay anymore. Go to their web page (customs.gov) & work out your costs/tax prior. Still cheaper than a store. Paxtons in sydney want $1950 aussie ($1500 USD !) for my 135mm f/2 which cost me $1250 aussie in the USA when i went over.

Forget the TC until you are familiar with the lens & camera...it will just confuse you no end until you know what you are doing.

oh..& welcome to D/grin

Gus

T(h)orsten

Thanks!

I am still not sure which is the more suitable "walk around lens":
- EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM


Any experience/ recommandations?


T(h)orsten

dfdems

Judging from your pictures It looks like you like the wider end of the lenses so your best choice would be the 17-85.

Me, personally I would use the 28-135 but it comes down to your shooting style I guess. Nice pictures by the way.