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Thanks DGrin..you cost me $1000...
Yep, you saw that right..$1000.
See, I researched getting a dSLR when the new Rebel XT and Nikon D70/50 were made available. This was over a year ago. I already own a Canon Rebel Xs film camera and lens. My brother has a Nikon D100 and a handful of lenses. So the decision whether Canon or Nikon?
Borrowing lenses would be the cheap way to go and a good place to start, but that would be a pain since I live an hour away...eventually I would buy my own lenses. The real clincher was that I already had a Canon lens, and the Digital Rebel XT body was at a giveaway price on Dell. So thats what I went for.
I put the old lens on my Digital Rebel XT, and haven't looked back. I have been really delighted with the set up, and some photos haven't been too bad. Plus , I am remembering much from 20yrs ago and enjoying photography just as much again.
But then I found this place. I learned how to create some creative shots both in composition and post-processing. I learned about Photoshop, I learned much about my camera, and other cameras.
And I learned about lenses. Oh boy...was that a mistake.
You see, before I got here, I was patting myself on my back at how smart I was to get the XT body and use my old lens. What a cheap way into dSLR! When I bought the Rebel Xs back in 1991, I upgraded the lens from the kit to the new, super duper USM lens. So this was a good lens. But, I soon learned that the lens that made the 'brand' decision for me, this lens, a 35-80 USM (mkI), was a complete piece of cr@p. It is USM, but has a plastic lens adaptor (sure sign of junk). In fact, it is so old that finding ratings is very tough. This was very disappointing.
Having little to compare to, and reading all about these killer "L" lenses and great Sigma and Tokina lenses, I took the lead from many here, (and other places) and borrowed a lens from a friend. Not just any lens, but a 100-400L lens. Holy Cow Man!! While heavy and silly looking with my XT hanging off of it, it was a religious experience! The focus was incredibly fast, and it was built like a tank (weighed as much too).
So, last nite, as I sadly packed up the 100-400 L , I popped onto B&H. Before I knew what happened, I had dropped $1000+ on a 70-200 f/4 L, and a Sigma 10-20 HSM. Can't wait. Maybe a bit of "L" fever, not sure, but definitely "good lens" fever.
Curses to you all, I now have a disease: I must have more gear, I must take more photos. This place is like "Typhoid Mary", lots of carriers of this contagious disease. My wife exclaimed: "I thought you were done when you bought that new camera?" I sadly informed my wife that in fact I had just begun!!
:rofl
Oh and yes, I married a good girl, because as I placed my B&H order, she commented "when are you going to order those studio lights you were talking about?" I grinned and replied: lets wait till it gets cold this fall, when I take more photos indoors". (any advice on lights...HAHAHA!)
:lust
See, I researched getting a dSLR when the new Rebel XT and Nikon D70/50 were made available. This was over a year ago. I already own a Canon Rebel Xs film camera and lens. My brother has a Nikon D100 and a handful of lenses. So the decision whether Canon or Nikon?
Borrowing lenses would be the cheap way to go and a good place to start, but that would be a pain since I live an hour away...eventually I would buy my own lenses. The real clincher was that I already had a Canon lens, and the Digital Rebel XT body was at a giveaway price on Dell. So thats what I went for.
I put the old lens on my Digital Rebel XT, and haven't looked back. I have been really delighted with the set up, and some photos haven't been too bad. Plus , I am remembering much from 20yrs ago and enjoying photography just as much again.
But then I found this place. I learned how to create some creative shots both in composition and post-processing. I learned about Photoshop, I learned much about my camera, and other cameras.
And I learned about lenses. Oh boy...was that a mistake.
You see, before I got here, I was patting myself on my back at how smart I was to get the XT body and use my old lens. What a cheap way into dSLR! When I bought the Rebel Xs back in 1991, I upgraded the lens from the kit to the new, super duper USM lens. So this was a good lens. But, I soon learned that the lens that made the 'brand' decision for me, this lens, a 35-80 USM (mkI), was a complete piece of cr@p. It is USM, but has a plastic lens adaptor (sure sign of junk). In fact, it is so old that finding ratings is very tough. This was very disappointing.
Having little to compare to, and reading all about these killer "L" lenses and great Sigma and Tokina lenses, I took the lead from many here, (and other places) and borrowed a lens from a friend. Not just any lens, but a 100-400L lens. Holy Cow Man!! While heavy and silly looking with my XT hanging off of it, it was a religious experience! The focus was incredibly fast, and it was built like a tank (weighed as much too).
So, last nite, as I sadly packed up the 100-400 L , I popped onto B&H. Before I knew what happened, I had dropped $1000+ on a 70-200 f/4 L, and a Sigma 10-20 HSM. Can't wait. Maybe a bit of "L" fever, not sure, but definitely "good lens" fever.
Curses to you all, I now have a disease: I must have more gear, I must take more photos. This place is like "Typhoid Mary", lots of carriers of this contagious disease. My wife exclaimed: "I thought you were done when you bought that new camera?" I sadly informed my wife that in fact I had just begun!!
:rofl
Oh and yes, I married a good girl, because as I placed my B&H order, she commented "when are you going to order those studio lights you were talking about?" I grinned and replied: lets wait till it gets cold this fall, when I take more photos indoors". (any advice on lights...HAHAHA!)
:lust
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Comments
That 70-200 is a sweet lens. I love it.
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
tristansphotography.com (motorsports)
Canon 20D | 10-22 | 17-85 IS | 50/1.4 | 70-300 IS | 100/2.8 macro
Sony F717 | Hoya R72
And good thing you got an agreeable wife!
-Matt-
My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
Hmmm I'm really in trouble. I have 3 boats........
and a 20D on the way.
I'm really in trouble.
Congrats on the new lens purchases and your religious experience. Investing in quality lenses in a good thing.
** Feel free to edit my photos if you see room for improvement.**
Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if
no birds sang there except those that sang best.
~Henry Van Dyke
Thanks for a great post - it really made my afternoon.
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
WWW.wolfies.smugmug.com
That same fever is over on the West Coast as well!!! Fedex dropped off a package for me at work today (yipeee!) which included a new Canon 200mm f/2.8L II USM and a Canon 1.4x extender, oh...and an 85mm f/1.8 USM. I can't wait for the weekend!!!
You want lights... check out the Alien Bees. I think they are top notch.
http://www.alienbees.com/
Right you are DavidTo!! I was on the fence btw this and the 70-300 IS USM, but once I got it in my feverish hands, I knew I made the right decision. I had held the 70-300 USM II before, so was delighted to find that the 70-200 L was not significantly bigger, and very manageable: no tripod ring required at all.
The Sigma is also extremely well built and whisper quiet. 10mm is a hoot! If anyone is into real estate (I am not)..this lens is a must. Taking pics of our house renovations is incredible.
Lets see...10lbs of stuff from B&H, wonder what that costs on the Spousal Equity Scale: new jewelry...clothes... What is the exchange rate? wonder if I can get away with $1 in gear = $1 in jewelry....wishful thinking
I think you're gonna have to go pound for pound...
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Wise up guys and gals. It's very simple, open up a Paypal account (spouse does not need to know this) Then go to ebay and sell most of your spouse's treasured items. When they ask, "HOney, did you see where I put my rolex watch?" YOu can say, I don't know I don't wear the thing (except around my neck..hehe...your watch is now my 400L lens) B&H accept's Paypal.......there ya go.....If my wife asks me about this, I'll know it was one of you guys that spilled the beans.....and believe me, I know where ya post!!
wait...
My girlfriend lives here and I have no "L" to speak of.....
kc7dji
my old halogen spotties keep me warm in winter.. but it looks a little weird with lights shining at my feet under the desk.