Canon's Pro List...

[NILOLIGIST]

I have heard some mention of a Pro List by Canon. It is for Pro's and provides certain services such as loaner bodies and lenses if your equipment is being repaired. Has anyone heard of this? Can someone give me some details of how to get on it and where to go?

Thank you in advance.

NiL,

[Butzl]

10D & L-Glass ONLY for me - Frederique
28-138mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, 100-400mm f/4.5-56L IS USM


I agree that lenses shouldn't stand between you (=a good photographer) and your object, but rather help you capturing the image at high quality. However, You're L-snobbish. The capital "L" on the lens doesn't mean that the lens is better than a non-L prime, e.g. the 50/1,4 and the 100/2.0 lenses are faster and at least as sharp as any L-type zoom lenses.

--Jens--
(I wish I could afford L lenses ;-)

[NILOLIGIST]

Butzl,

I think you have issues and having or not having L lenses will not help. What I have or more importantly what you don't have, have nothing to do with the thread...

So, if I am a L snob as you put it, I can be, if I choose to.

And before I could purchase my L lens I did not lash out at others who had them.

Having a L lens does not make you better but putting someone down and calling them names because they do have L lens just makes you really really S M A L L ....

LOL

And for the record, this WAS a very nice site until the JEALOUS people moved in...

Since you seem to be new here, try and be nice and make friends. Photography is such a beautiful way to express oneself. Perhaps, L glass is not what you need, happiness might fill the void for you and then you won't have to feel inferior to those that have what you don't.

So if you could find happiness perhaps not having an L lens won't bother you so much and the fact that I do have one won't bother you at all.

I want a 1Ds, and I am not the least bit bothered by those that have them. I am happy for them and hope and work towards getting my own one day, but being happy will allow you to be happy with what you have until you can get what you want.

Try and find some PEACE and leave comments like this and me alone. Just some advice from a L-Snob who also happens not to like SMALL people with jealous hearts.

NiL,

[rdenney]

niloligist wrote:
I have heard some mention of a Pro List by Canon. It is for Pro's and provides certain services such as loaner bodies and lenses if your equipment is being repaired. Has anyone heard of this? Can someone give me some details of how to get on it and where to go?

Thank you in advance.

NiL,

I found a link to it some months ago after much searching. The requirements to be part of the professional program (there was a name for it that I have forgotten) was to own at least two pro-grade EOS bodies and three L-series lenses. This was from a Canon site, so it is authoritative. You also had to be engaged in full-time professional work, but of course that is relatively easy to, ahem, fake. It would be hard to provide serial numbers of the required equipment, however, if you didn't have them.

By the way, only the EOS 1x and EOS 3x models qualified as pro cameras (digital or film didn't matter). The 10D does not. And it has to be autofocus, so my F-1 does not.

Oh, well.

If you have the stuff, it's a good program. They allow you to borrow lenses for trials, in addition to getting loaners during repairs and CLA's.

Rick "who will just have to buy his stuff like other amateurs" Denney

[NILOLIGIST]

rdenney,

It looks like a good service. You must be a pro though. Oh well, one day. LOL

I want to get the newest 1D when it comes out, I will be half way there, the L-glass, dare I say it is the easy part, I am acquiring them now so that will be covered. Now, I will need to sell my 10D to get a 1Ds...That would be nice, two bodies, 1 1Ds, 1D...One day...Until then I will just dream.

Thanks for posting and not giving me a hard time...ROFLMAO

NiL,

[ssim]

Butzl

You are way out of line here. Niloligist didn't put anything in his post about being better than anyone else because he has L glass. A simple statement in his signature seems to have set you off.

I too only buy L series lenses in the focal lengths that they are available and am very happy with them. I have just finished acquiring the last of them so now I have the 16-35L, 24-70L, 70-200 L IS and the 100-400 L IS. Throw in the 50/1.4 and the 100 macro and I am done. I suppose that this makes me an "L" snob as well but quite frankly I don't care what others think of my equipment as long as I am happy with it.

I believe that you owe Niloligist an apology.

Rant over

[DaveG]

niloligist wrote:
I have heard some mention of a Pro List by Canon. It is for Pro's and provides certain services such as loaner bodies and lenses if your equipment is being repaired. Has anyone heard of this? Can someone give me some details of how to get on it and where to go?

Thank you in advance.

NiL,
In Canada, and I assume the States, in order to be part of the Canon (or Nikon) Pro Service you have to be a pro. I had to submit tear sheets and other evidence that I do earn my living with my cameras.

This may not be fair, but they will make you jump through hoops to join or the whole thing would just bog down.

If you do qualify you can get loaner gear - assuming you pay for the shipping. You also can use the Canon technicians if they show up for some major league event.

Mostly though you get expedited repair service. My experience has been with Nikon - I've only been with Canon for six months - and their return time was about a week, which I would expect from Canon as well. You don't get an estimate with this service since it would extend the time, and that can be a drawback. But most pro's are on the "just fix it" plan and don't care otherwise.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Wow Butzl,. unreal.. not a good way to make freinds on a forum :(

For those of us who have been around more than 11 times ,. we have seen Nilologist grow as a photographer from her humble (yet creative) g3 beginnings.. to her current "going pro" level. We have seen her get her first DSLR and seen her be guided by those who know better than "us rank amateurs" towards better photography and better equipment to help with her goals.

You may also note from that Sig of hers that like most of us going through this learning process, she did not start as an "L-Snob" but has learned through experience starting with very good, but less costly lenses such as the 28-135mm IS listed.

She also happens to be one of the nicest, kindest, most supporting people I have met on line. It will be your loss to have made such a mistake so quickly.

Please, don't take this as a slam at you Butzl,. but also,. please be more caustious with your posts as you start to engage in discourse in a public forum.

We are here to help one another in a skill that we enjoy.

:)

[mjordan]

For those that have been "around the block" a few times, you sure seem to lack any sense of humor. I've seen worse posted (and not in jest) by others on here and nobody get up in arms over it like the few comments made already.

Mike

[CyberDyneSystems]

Hi Mike,.
:)

I allways laugh at a joke,. and have a good sense of humour. But I guess I must have missed the joke in the original post?

Sorry.

[defordphoto]

mjordan wrote:

For those that have been "around the block" a few times, you sure seem to lack any sense of humor.



That's for sure. Though Niloligist is not touting her L-glass and Butzl's comments were a bit uncalled for, his comments were not THAT bad.

Niloligist is a very humble, extremely friendly person and in no way is a snob of any sort. Again, which happens here frequently, this is being blown waaaaaay out of proportion.

On the other hand, L-glass is always designated with a capital "L" and on many other forums, people's sigs are 4-5-6-7 lines long of equipment listings.

So, what was the question? :)

[MiG82]

Doesn't anyone feel that there is a difference between merely having a personal preference and making a big point of it?

[MediaMagic]

ahhhhh, you all suck anyway....


Just not quite as bad as me.. :-)

[Erin]

Heck I always thought "L" mean't glass for learners! "S" owner

[elm54]

Hiya ,
When I first got here I saw something like this happen in a thread and sort of jumped into the fray (sp?) . Pekka advised in his best moderator way...
To post as if I was meeting a stranger face to face for the first time.
I think he ment that we never quite know how someone will take our comments.

"proper manners are the way to show we respect the other person" author unknown and I probably paraphrased :)

Eric

[CoolToolGuy]

I always thought the 'L' meant 'Lotta' (as in a Lot of glass) - as can be seen by looking at the front element of any of them ;-)
In any case, for this thread it probably should stand for Lighten up (not necessarily your exposures)
Have Fun

[defordphoto]

L glass. Expensive. The pros swear by it.

When I first got my D60 I snagged the 28-135 USM IS non-L lens. Shot great pics that needed little post-processing. Nice and sharp and no complaints. Had my Sigma 70-300 and had no problems there either.

Until I got my first L lens.

It's like getting a new camera. Your photos have more punch and color and contrast and clarity and overall quality. It's amazing.

I still have the 28-135 and still use it quite frequently, but will be replacing it in the future with a similar L lens. In have the 100-400L and the 70-200L and use them whenever I can. The quality of the photos compared to non-L glass is almost surreal. Especially when you print them.

So, don't knock L-glass until you've tried it. It will change your life. And empty your wallet! :)

[johneo]

RFMSports wrote:

Until I got my first L lens.



There's a statement I can agree with 100%.

When I got my 10D a 75-300 IS was my 1st concern. After much flip flopping and reading a number of reviews, one of which said if you only get one lens, make it the 28-135 IS, so that was my 2nd lens.

It only took a little over a week before I realized I needed something wider so decided the 17-40 L, as bank breaking as it was, would be the best choice.

Guess I'm one of those "L snobs" too because from the 1st shot I took from that "L" lens I was hooked. Saving my pennies now to get the 100-400 L IS.

The 75-300 was a must for me. The 28-135 was a great choice for much of what i shoot and I thought the 17-40 would be a great 3rd lens.

While I still use the 1st two, I find myself looking for more shots I can use the 17-40 on. It's always on the camera and the one I enjoy using the most as of late.

PS ... Not sure if this is my 1st post or not (it is one of my 1st in any case) but I'd like to thank you all for the great info you provide. I lurk much more than I reply but I couldn't tell you how much help you've given me. Thanks!

[defordphoto]

Welcome to the forum John, and also to the Wonderful World of L.

Ya kinda got the quote thing munched, but that's okay. We've all been there, done that.

[NILOLIGIST]

Thank you CDS, ssim & RFMSports and everyone else,

For the kind words of compliment and support. Sorry all if I got a little rough but sometimes I know I can be overly sensitive but, this did not seem like a joke and if it was it was a poor one.

I don't like being called names and a SNOB at that, that is not me. I love photography so much I could burst with joy.

CDS, recently picked up that new lens, 500mm I believe and I was so happy and couldn't wait to see the shots posted.

So again, sorry if I was too rough but it is better to nip something in the bud that to let it fester and get out of hand.

That person is new to the site and perhaps my harsh response will lead them in a direction that will help them to understand that you don't play like that. Make friends not WAR, either way, I am ready. Friend or Foe, just let me know...LOL

Now, back to the sponsered program...Have many joined CPS? It sounds like a good program, I want in. That is one of my goals to be accepted to that program, since I have decided I want to take this to a pro level. Plan on getting at least a 1D too, 1Ds if I can swing it too. I just love Canon and I love photography, I have found depth of my soul and it feels so good. My photography project did not go through, so I have decided to revise it. I am going to go take photos of the families that want their photos taken and email them their shots, free of course. Then I might start going to homes for the seniors and taking their photos too, I want to do something to give back, I get so much pleasure and joy from photography, I need more ways to express it. I tell you I could burst.

Also, I have formed a slip disc in my neck so the doctors says I have to take it easy for a while to let it heal. Oh well, I can take the winter off. Get my gear straight and contacts and start back in the spring. I will continue to shoot just not as much as I do now. Shooting a festival this weekend, a birthday boy's football game and some birds for me. Busy, busy, busy...

NiL,

[Brian Mackey]

The capital "L" on the lens doesn't mean that the lens is better than a non-L prime, e.g. the 50/1,4 and the 100/2.0 lenses are faster and at least as sharp as any L-type zoom lenses.



No, but it does mean Canon won't allow you into the Canon Professional Services group :( you must have L lenses to qualify...

[Belmondo]

I am an 'L' snob. Until I learn how to take decent pictures, I'll have to be content with that.

[cmattdvc]

Ok I hate to bring this up--but does anybody know how to join the US version of the "pro" list?

Stay Safe,
Matt

[Roger_Cavanagh]

It's called Canon Professional Services - CPS. It's easy to find the European web site, but I could not find details about the US version.

In Europe one of the requirements is ownership of two "pro" bodies and 3 L lenses.

Regards,



PS I hate typos and this one is now quoted. :)

[Brian Mackey]

Roger_Cavanagh wrote:
It's called Canon Professional Services - CPS. It's easy to find the European web site, but I could not find details about the US version.

In Europe one of the requirements is owenership of two "pro" bodies and 3 L lenses.

Regards,

Call canon USA and they can send you the paper work for CPS, they dont have a CPS U.S. website. the 10D Body is qualified, but remember you must have L lenses also to join...

being poor sucks! sigh.......

[Littlebike]

The owner of the place where I work just bought a Land Rover Discovery. He emphatically tells us, "Its not like any car you have ever driven!"

I respond with, "I am perfectly happy with my car (Buick Roadmaster) and honeslty, I cant imagine another car i would like as much".

His typical reply is, "No you dont. You dont know. You have never driven one so how can you say you like you car. Rtc blah blah blah".

its kinda like this L glass -v- everything else. Either lense gets you where you want to go.

Sure the L glass is nice, as are Lamborghinis, Feraris, Rand Rovers, and Bently's but not eeveryone can afford one.

It has happened on this message board before, somebody instantly bagging on somebody's lack of an L lens, and it is old. It is almost like classism; I am better class because I have a better lens or maybe these people do not appreciate how difficult it is for some of us to even be able to buy a flash let alone a $1000+ lens.

With that said, the post that brought this whole ugly subject up, a reply to the initial post, was completely un called for and unacceptable.

Personally, I dont care what you shoot with.

[KarlJones]

cmattdvc wrote:
Ok I hate to bring this up--but does anybody know how to join the US version of the "pro" list?

Stay Safe,
Matt
Basically, you call, e-mail, or fax them and go from there.

I would like to just post a name and number, but it strikes me as curious why it hasn't been done yet. I don't believe it's a super secret thing (since they have unpublished contact methods for their members). At the same time, I certainly don't want them crashing down on me in an uproar should they get flooded with a ton of calls that might only yield a very few legit inquiries. What I will say and suggest is this... get the contact information to apply from your local Canon dealer that specializes in their pro gear.

Good luck!

[MarkH]

Littlebike wrote:
Sure the L glass is nice, as are Lamborghinis, Feraris, Rand Rovers, and Bently's but not eeveryone can afford one.


I completely agree, I think the people that have L lenses are just too smug and I hate them. :)

Of course when I get enough money together to buy a 70-200 F2.8 L lens then I will switch sides and look down on all those with inferior lenses. :)

My 28-135 IS is a nice lens, but my 75-300 III is a little soft and is only in my kit to give me the zoom I want until I can afford to replace it with the afformentioned L lens (plus a 1.4x converter). I also would like to add a wide zoom, probably the 17-40L.

I wouldn't lust after L lenses so much, but what lens can compete with the 70-200 F2.8 L, especially if you shoot in low light? The IS will gain you 3 stops of hand holdability (For still subjects) and the F2.8 will allow much better shutter speeds than my F5.6 (long end of my 28-135) does now. There are very few lenses that will match the image quality as well.

I just wish I could also save up and buy a Lamborghini.

L lenses aren't desired out of snobbery, they are desired because they are so good!

[Rob Larsen]

I have to agree with the comments on the L-glass exceptional quality. Thanks to all the advice on this forum I saved all my shekels for the 100-400L and have not been disappointed!

Not only does this lens produce beautiful pictures, it dramatically improved my ability to advance my photographic skills. How that is possible is an attest to the lenses quality....

My wife enjoys photography although she is perfectly content practicing it with her little S300 or $20 Wal-Mart special. She could not understand nor approve of my trading up from my "expensive", "more than adequate" G1. While she was very upset about me "wasting" $1400 on the 10D, I knew I'd be dog meat if she found out I'd spent another $1400 on the 100-400L. The first time she laid eyes on the white lens she immediately wanted to know how much more money I had blown on "that damn camera!"

"$300!?" she asked.
Sheepishly I replied with the half-truth, "Closer to $800." Which technically is true...

She was not happy! After all, our cameras "already take great pictures." This statement was emphasized by the fact that she had seen the 10D's quality with the 28-135IS on it.

The following weekend we went camping with the mission to photographically hunt her favorite animal -- moose. She decided (I believe to punish me) that she would be the one to use the new camera.

The first morning we awoke at 11,000 ft elevation to find a cow and her calf grazing near our tent. I got the 10D, cable release, and 100-400L setup for her and she excitedly snapped away ambivalent to the camera equipment.

When we got home and reviewed the pictures, her jaw dropped in disbelief that she captured picture quality she felt was reserved only for professionals. She could see moose eyelashes, individual water drops in the beard, and catch lights in the eyes. She could not contain her excitement.

I then explained to her what L-glass is and how it differs from traditional glass. Even 'fessing up to the full lens price did not phase her. Her only concern was when she can "get one of those lenses too." She currently is waiting for Dell to deliver her new 70-200L IS ;) ;) ;) !!!! This she will mount on my EOS 620 body while she approvingly waits for me to kick down my 10D (with it's puny sensor ;) ) to her while I upgrade to the next generation DSLR.

Therefore, not only has L-glass improved my image quality, it has improved my marriage ;) . So, indirectly it was you, my forum friends who convinced me to save money for the L-glass, that I must thank for the new happiness in our marriage. ;)

L-glass is truly a beautiful thing. Call me a happy, satisfied snob. ;)

PS... Here is one of her mooseL pictures (with bokeh ;) ) :

http://www.roblarsen.com/gallery/moose/mischief-calf_std.jpg

More pictures from that outting can be found at http://www.roblarsen.com/gallery/moose/index.htm

(Sorry to diverge from the thread topic.... got moved by all the "L" discussion)

[fredlord]

Hi all:

I too would like to join CPS so if anyone would like to post a direct communication link that would be great. If not, I'll find a way. I could have used the expedited service in June as my 24-70L lens had the lens hood collar come adrift and I was leaving for Alaska in three weeks. I took it in but didn't get it back for nearly five weeks. It was under warranty too as they weren't even sold until late November last year.

As to the L lens subject. I only purchased my first L lenses last fall and it took some soul searching and a lot of selling of older "must haves" to pay for them. I sold my studio strobes, 4x5 Sinar, Mamiya RB67, Fuji GSW6901; (2) Canon AE2s, and three non-L lenses along with all the old lights and accessories that don't fit the latest EOS cameras; a 38-year-old car I loved; and several firearms to swing the new lenses. I love the new lenses and, unfortunately, I need at least one more.

The point of my ramble is this, not everyone who has L lenses is wealthy or snobbish, just motivated and determined. I'm retired and I will now have to find a job in order to purchase any more L lenses but I shall do just that and never regret it. I'm also looking forward to the new replacement for the 1D as I think it will be perfect for what I want to do.

Sorry to run on, best regards,
Fred Lord

P.S. Rob: didn't see your image until I got this one posted. Spectacular!!! We go up Cameron Pass frequently just to get a moose fix. I'm surprised the cow was so placid while you snapped away at her and the calf. Nice Work Cassandra!

[Erin]

Lets wind it up a bit!

Ex Sigma is pretty good too!

I earned a reasonable living with mine last year, enough in fact to to pay ma rent, run ma car and feed ma dogs, as well as keep the missuss happy, with enough left over to purchase a 70-200 IS L 2.8 Canon

But I ain't gonna buy one o them futzy lil white things. I'm gonna buy me a REAL mans lens.
A 120-300 EX HSM Sigma 2.8! Only costs a little more than the 70-200IS here in New Zealand.
Ah expect it ta buy me a new second hand car too!

I'm sure it will feel right at home in ma kit alongside ma 50mm macro 15-30 28-70 2.8 and 70-200 EX Sigmas Oh yes and them two Canon camera bodies.

Don't all you newbies be seduced by the siren call o' the 'L' (learners) glass. There are other very good options out there.

Hell with the money you saved from buy'n 'L,' you could treat ya self to a M7 Leica and a couple of Leitz lense's if'n ya wanted some REAL glass!

Lighten up there folks, They is only chunks o' glass after all!

[Belmondo]

Are there such things as Sigma EX snobs?

[Erin]

Right on Tom! very perceptive of ya!

[Rob Larsen]

fredlord wrote:
P.S. Rob: didn't see your image until I got this one posted. Spectacular!!! We go up Cameron Pass frequently just to get a moose fix. I'm surprised the cow was so placid while you snapped away at her and the calf. Nice Work Cassandra

We were inadvertently the poster children for what "getting to close to moose" is. We had been at a safe distance when the calf got curious and started walking straight to us. The cow perked up and rushed to the calf's side as seen in other picture. As we remained low and non-threatening as possible, they observed us then walked around us up the path. Very scary, but exciting moment. I think the situation was improved since they had grown comfortable to our presence over the previous hour.

[Erin]

Nice sharp nature pic by your wife Rob. Just a little too much unsharp mask applied in post processing for my tastes, to what was already a first class capture!

[DaveG]

Brian Mackey wrote:
The capital "L" on the lens doesn't mean that the lens is better than a non-L prime, e.g. the 50/1,4 and the 100/2.0 lenses are faster and at least as sharp as any L-type zoom lenses.



No, but it does mean Canon won't allow you into the Canon Professional Services group :( you must have L lenses to qualify...

In Canada you can only get a pro discount price on selected lenses (mostly and probably all L lenses) and camera bodies. However ANY Canon equipment that a CPS member owns (assuming that it's not grey market) will be repaired under the CPS quick return plan.

When I joined the Canadian Canon CPS all I had was a 10D and a 24-85 mm lens, neither of which are pro discounted or "L" quality, but they let me in.

[Canuck]

Hi All,
I by no means look down on people that can't affors the 4-digit figure on most L glass, or even Sigma has in their EX series. It's not fair, because some people are economically depressed (in this era of political correctness yadda-yadda) or plain don't make a lot of money. I'm somewhere in the middle. It took me a long time to save up for the Sigma 120-300 F2.8 lens that ran at the time like $1900 before a CPL and UV filters. I haven't regretted it yet and as a matter of fact, I was out at Heathrow Int'l Airport (yesterday now) taking pics of Concorde as it makes some of the last landings there, ever. It is such a beautiful jet, and so graceful! But back to the topic, it took a good deal of research and convincing to plunk out $2000+ all said and done! I have learned from it and I only strongly reccommend getting better glass then just the cheapie lens. I should be talking, as I have one, a Sigma 28-80 F3.5-5.6
that is about to be made redundant much like Concorde! I'm just waiting on the replacement and have been since 24 Sept. The US Mail is pitifully slow getting over here these days! I hope like hell no one knicked it on way over. That would really get my goat!
Back to the topic, I have felt bad, for some people that can't afford the high end glass, and all of us know how much it shows in the pics! It is super hard to explain that sometimes. I almost liken it to shooting a scene in overcast weather w/ a beginners 2.0 MP camera and then take out the 10D w/ L glass on it and look who gets the better pic. I know that it isn't fair to compare the $200 2.0MP camera to the (hell you may have spent $2000 on the lens) let alone 10D w/ BG-ED3, and several CF cards/batteries/etc. Put it this way, I'm having family send me pics from the Northeastern US fall foliage and this is a 2MP digicam. I can't wait to give it a go w/ the 10D and several L lenses! The digicam has a digital zoom and man does it show when it's out. I have been known to poke fun at it, but it is in good fun!
Not to mention it is family! The end of the day, I can't emphasise how much cheap glass shows in pics and I recon it holds back the capability of the !0D! There is something missing, and almost seems like the colours are a little off, and definitely the image isn't anywhere as crisp as w/ the monster Sigma lens. Although, let the record show that the cheapie Sigma lens was like $80 and the monster Sigma lens was $1900. I have some pics I took at Heathrow literally, pics 23-118 w/ the cheapie and compare them to the ones I took yesterday and there isn't any comparison at all! The new monster Sigma blows the other one in the dust on the other side of the ocean if you catch my drift! Also, seeing what the 10D can do with a really good lens has stepped up my ability another step! It's literally the difference between a so-so pic and a razor sharp blow your mind pic. Been there, done that! Not to be greedy, but to be able to afford this hobby, I was wondering if there is a place I can get into to start submitting pics and make some muliti-coloured stuff. (British pounds are muticoloured, for those that have not had the chance to come over and see them. Canuck Bucks are much in the image of GBP, and also part of the GB commonwealth.) Again it comes down to money, muhny, mahuuny! (A Churchill (talking dog) advert here in England.) LOL!!!
Time to finish up here and almost call it a night after a nice cold pint of Guinness. I'll have to put the story of what happened w/ a pint of Guinness in a pub over here another time. It is rather amusing...
Cheers from England,
Canuck

[Rob Larsen]

Erin wrote:
Nice sharp nature pic by your wife Rob. Just a little too much unsharp mask applied in post processing for my tastes, to what was already a first class capture!

Thanks for your feedback Erin! I know I have a propensity to lean on the USM (C1 300/1 soft) and in this case I think I doubled up during my BreezeBroswer HTML conversion process. The perceived sharpness is also enhanced by his wet fur.

I appreciate your comments.

[Belmondo]

fredlord wrote:
The point of my ramble is this, not everyone who has L lenses is wealthy or snobbish, just motivated and determined. I'm retired and I will now have to find a job in order to purchase any more L lenses but I shall do just that and never regret it. I'm also looking forward to the new replacement for the 1D as I think it will be perfect for what I want to do.

Fred:

I am also retired, and have decided that of all my interests, the one that's most likely to keep me active the longest is photography. It gets me off the sofa, keeps my mind in play, gives me an excuse to go places I otherwise might not, and affords me the opportunity of hanging out with some pretty interesting folks who also love the hobby.

Like you, I've started divesting myself of those things that are just taking up space and no longer hold the fascination for me that they once did. Certain realities make most of these decisions easy. For example, I'll never be a master cabinetmaker, so the power tools are gone. Stiff, non-compliant fingers generally preclude me from playing the guitar any more, at least as well as I'd like, so my Gibson ‘Lucille’ is going up on eBay pretty soon. Limited space rules out the construction of the model railroad empire I once envisioned, so all that equipment’s going too.

What I’m left with is a little cash and a very long list of photo equipment I’d love to own someday. That would include a couple more L lenses and a professional digital body (1Ds, ideally). Very likely I’ll never get there unless I discover oil in the backyard or win the lottery. In the meantime, I love my 10D and my couple L lenses.

Who knows? Maybe by the criteria being discussed in this thread, I’ll eventually qualify as a professional. If I don’t, however, it sure won’t ruin my day. I’ll still be having fun.

Tom

[rodbunn]

Go here:

http://www.canon.com.au/CPS/CPS_Membership_Application_final.pdf

[defordphoto]

rodbunn wrote:
Go here:

http://www.canon.com.au/CPS/CPS_Membership_Application_final.pdf

That's fine if you live down-under.

[Timbre]

Rob,

You were headed for disaster, my friend. Your wife never for one moment believed your original "price estimate" and may well have been laying a trap to get at the real truth. Wives do this sub-conciously and are very patient and ruthless in the process.:p

Great shot and great story, Thanks for sharing.

[rdenney]

Littlebike wrote:
... It is almost like classism; I am better class because I have a better lens or maybe these people do not appreciate how difficult it is for some of us to even be able to buy a flash let alone a $1000+ lens.



Nobody who has L lenses is a better photographer or a better person therefore. They just have more money, and sharper, more contrasty photos.

(There are, of course, non-L lenses that are as sharp and contrasty as L lenses of similar focal length, though the L lenses maintain that performance across a more extreme zoom range or at faster maximum apertures. Comparisons with such differences are difficult.)

Rick "who has learned the hard way, too" Denney

[ilya]

rdenney wrote:

Nobody who has L lenses is a better photographer or a better person therefore. They just have more money, and sharper, more contrasty photos.



I venture to argue that those who have recently purchased L lenses now have a lot *less* money and sharper more contrasty lenses:)

[NILOLIGIST]

I am AMAZED at how far off the topic this thread has gone. For some reason people are so hung up on what others have or don't have, for no reason might I add.

The reason for this thread was CPS=Canon Professional Services...Not who has what.

Whether you have L-glass or not is not an issue here. Those that have L-glass are fine, those that don't have L-glass are fine.

Try staying on the topic, we all know some have and some don't . No one is trying to make non-L glass owners feel bad, so don't try to make L-glass owners feel bad.

I would like to learn more about CPS and how people find the service.

ROFLMAO

NiL,

[NILOLIGIST]

CDS,

That is really cool, installing humor. I love it!! Can you deliver purchases too? Don't want to make this thread anymore dangerous but can you send me a 1Ds?

With caution..ROFLMAO

NiL,

[Belmondo]

niloligist wrote:
ROFLMAO


Two days ago, I didn't know what ROFL meant. Now, my vivid imagination allows me to understand all things, big and small.

If I hang around with you guys long enough, I'll REALLY be smart.

[EXA1a]

Looks like the gunsmoke 's gone after heavy artillery fire!

May I make a few points now?

1. NiL: I didn't mean to offend you. Since you obviously felt that way, please accept my honest apologies.

2. Forum folks: I took NiL's signature 'L-glass ONLY for me' as a statement. That's why I made this 'uncalled' reply.

3. Has anybody read my reply carefully (around the word 'snobbish')?
I did NOT say at all: L-glass is not good. I just disagree on the point that you cannot shoot technically perfect pictures without L-glass (As I understand now, NiL didn't make this point anyway).

4. I'm photo gear-snobbish myself. I bought my D30 almost 3 years ago and own two old L-lenses myself (EF200/2.8L USM and EF28-80/2.8-4L USM). And I'm going for another L-lens and the 10D or the new full-frame 10Ds in the near future.

With my 'snobbish' reply I just tried to put myself into somebody's skin who might be an artistic photographer (not me!) but really cannot afford the nice whities. In that role I acted a bit too provocative. Sorry again.

Cease fire?

--Jens--

[EXA1a]

Oops! EXA1a = Butzl

After your gunfire I planned to change my identity but then I thought it would be better to apologize instead of hiding away...

--Jens--

[Belmondo]

Come on, everyone. Let's give Jens a big hug.

Besides, if you read Nil's response to his original post, there's no question she gave as good as she got. After that, it was just piling on.

The fact that he's still here with hat in hand is a good sign. He seems like a pretty good guy to me.

[oops]

belmondo wrote:
Come on, everyone. Let's give Jens a big hug.

Besides, if you read Nil's response to his original post, there's no question she gave as good as she got. After that, it was just piling on.

The fact that he's still here with hat in hand is a good sign. He seems like a pretty good guy to me.

Amen.

[Mitch]

Belmondo,
You are a poet...a writer...and probably an artist.
Mitch

[fredlord]

I've tried every permutation of the US Canon site to get information on CPS. The European site is right out there for anyone to see but no North American inkling. I'll keep trying but so far, so bad. Emailing Canon is next and even that is difficult to figure out. Oh well.

[leodgr81]

I have been a member of CPS since 1983 you can contact them at
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
One Canon Plaza
Lake Success , NY , 11042
Phone: 516-328-5000
Attn: CPS ( Canon Professional Services )

[geearem]

What DOES ROFLMAO mean?

[leodgr81]

rolling on floor laughing my a$$ off

[kellylipp]

Rob,

Great moose. Great story as well.

Where is Gould? I'm thinking in the Flat Tops west of Fort Collins?

I live in Colorado Springs.

How much post processing work did you do on these photos?

Thanks,

Kelly "who would love to L but am matrimonally challenged"

PS I'm sure there is someone lurking here dying to rid themselves of that heavy, expensive glass. Look me up when you get serious!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Horray!
ROFL
Two pages later and BOTH issues are resolved!

Thanks -Jens- for coming clean. I too am sorry if I was overly heavy handed in my reply :(

And more to the Actual point, (at least the original one)

... thanks to leodgr81 for the contact info :)

[MackRoe]

I feel like a poor street urchin holding a Kodak disposable in a sandwich baggie, looking into the window of a photoworld I don't understand. Actually reading all this provocative verbage has been pretty amusing, but since I'm just a fledgling (is that how you spell fledgling) Canon G3 prosuumer hack (is that how you say prosuumer..it can't be...not 2 u's like that) who loves photography with the best of them and believes I'm not too shabby myself behind the shutterbutton, can I please just ask somebody what the heck is "L" glass ?
My ignorance of digital SLR machines and their interchangable lenses is more than obvious here, but that moose shot was "way clear," and beautifully done, so maybe I will want to find out if "L" glass will work on a simple box like the G3, which I love, by the way. Any non-caustic or non-unsavory (is that a word?) comments will be most appreciated.....word....MackRoe

[MackRoe]

I feel like a poor street urchin holding a Kodak disposable in a sandwich baggie, looking into the window of a photoworld I don't understand. Actually reading all this provocative verbage has been pretty amusing, but since I'm just a fledgling (is that how you spell fledgling) Canon G3 prosuumer hack (is that how you say prosuumer..it can't be...not 2 u's like that) who loves photography with the best of them and believes I'm not too shabby myself behind the shutterbutton, can I please just ask somebody what the heck is "L" glass ?
My ignorance of digital SLR machines and their interchangable lenses is more than obvious here, but that moose shot was "way clear," and beautifully done, so maybe I will want to find out if "L" glass will work on a simple box like the G3, which I love, by the way. Any non-caustic or non-unsavory (is that a word?) comments will be most appreciated.....word....MackRoe

[MiG82]

L is the luxury (apparently) line of Canon lenses. They usually have ultra low dispersion glass somewhere in them and are of a high quality in all aspects.
Our G3s are stuck with one lens so the L range is irrelevant.

[NILOLIGIST]

EXA1a,

Offended, yes I was very, very offended. Obviously you were too. I still don't understand how me having in my sig that Canon L-glass only for me offended you or caused you to respond to my sig and not the thread.

It didn't make sense to me. Thanks for the apology but it is not necessary, I would much rather you be more accepting at other's choices and not comdemn them.

I do like L-glass, I only carry Coach pocketbooks too. I shop in Bloomingdale's and Sak's. I love fine things, but I can speak to a homeless person, I can speak with the CEO of the bank I work. I love myself, life, people and photography. I will meet a total stranger and go out of my way to try and help him, that is what makes me feel fullfilled. I just love people, I am excited and I love to spend money. So please don't hate me, or call me names, like me and yourself.

My wish list is, a Canon 1Ds, 600mm, 500mm and a host of other things. LOL

When I meet someone that has those things and they say they only like this or that, I wonder why and since I can't afford those things, I wait, work hard and I pray that I will be able to have them. Jealousy is a disease, it is harmful to you and to others. A while ago I would have felt bad that I had something you didnt', I have since grown. Now, I am not going to feel bad for having something I love because you don't. I enjoyed my 28-135 until I got my L glass, and to this day I appreciate it and love it all the same. I don't like L glass because it makes me looks good, I love L- glass because it is good and I like the results. I work hard to be able to buy the things I have and I do sacrifce for them too. So if you are upset for what I have now, get ready because I am going to buy much more.

Life is too short, to be upset with yourself about things you can control. If you can't afford something you want, get another job and make it happen.

Now, I am finish. Please don't joke with me like that again. Use this site for what it is worth, a mecca for photography, good people and loads of talent.

BTW, welcome to the best forum on the internet. You are going to love it here.

WE CAN START A NEW FROM HERE!!!

WOOOHOOOOO!!!

NiL,

[Rob Larsen]

kellylipp wrote:
Rob,

Great moose. Great story as well.

Where is Gould? I'm thinking in the Flat Tops west of Fort Collins?

I live in Colorado Springs.

How much post processing work did you do on these photos?


Kelly and MacRoe, thank you for your comments!

All the processing on the moose image was done in Capture One DSLR. I adjusted the white point, saturation +5%, used soft sharpening at 300/1, and cropped from landscape to portrait. When downsizing for web in BreezeBrowser, I believe I inadvertently sharpened again also.

Gould is about 50 miles (as the crow flys) west of Fort Collins on Hwy 14. These pictures were taken a few miles east of Gould near the Nokhu Crags. This region is Colorado's moose capital. There is now a 400-600 moose population that began with an introduction of 17 in the late 1970s.