New Girl on the Forum!

[cricket]

Greetings fellow Photographers!

I just joined this forum, and I am so happy to have found a community of EOS digital users!

I have just purchased my first EOS digital camera! I got the EOS-1ds Mark II, with a 75-300 lens and a 28-135 also.

I am hoping to get a good Macro lens as well, but am not sure which will suit my needs. I've never owned a prime lens for a 35mm, much less a Macro. Any suggestions? I like to photograph flowers, bugs, jewelry, eyeballs, hands, textures, etc. Indoors or out.

A little about myself: I live in the Northwest, lots of rain! Photography has been my passion for 18+ years. I am a Graphic Designer at a major communications company, and I just want to keep on taking photographs, doing digital manipulation, and having fun with it!

I can't wait to meet some of you and learn from/with you!
__________________________________________________ ______________________
"Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours." -Richard Bach, Illusions

[defordphoto]

Howdy neighbor and welcome to the forum!! Nice choice there on your first dSLR! WOW! Usually people start out small and work their way up. You just started at the stop. Awesome!!

Others will offer much information on macros. Most prefer the 100 f/2.8, but there are several choices. We love helping others spend their money! :lol: That's 'cause we don't have any left!

Enjoy your new home here.

[HJMinard]

Welcome, Cricket ... and congratulations!

I must say - and you'll hear it from others - that your lens choices will likely not allow your camera to live up to its potential. You need some "L" glass on that fancy professional body.

Regardless, I'm sure you'll have fun!

[sparker1]

Welcome cricket. You and your 1Ds will fit in nicely here. Congrats on such a great weapon.

Although I winter in Fl, summers are spent out west or northwest, some very good ones in Wa and neighboring states. I do mostly landscapes, but also some "close-ups" of flowers and bugs...don't own a macro. We'll look forward to seeing some of yours.

[cricket]

You need some "L" glass on that fancy professional body.
:) Thanks for the welcome! Now, Since I am here to learn... What is "L" glass?

Thanks!

[eosster]

Hi welcome, just joined myself, L's = Luxury, I think, correct me if I am wrong.

Cheers,

Charles,

[steven]

Welcome to the forum.

As for macro lens you really only have three choices that are good enough to put on a 1Ds.

From Canon
100mm f2.8
180mm f3.5 L

From Sigma
180mm f3.5 APO IF HSM

The primary difference between the 100mm and the 180mm will be working distance. With the 180mm you can be farther from you subject and still be 1:1.
The canon and sigma 180mms are both very close in quality but the canon is much more expensive, but will retain better value over time if you ever decide to part with it.

All three of these lens will make you very happy. I have and use the 100mm Canon and the 180mm sigma and the are wonderful lenses.

[tim]

Welcome :)

L stands for luxury, basically the top of the line Canon lenses. The lenses you have really can't measure up to such a fantastic camera. Take a look here (http://www.photographyreview.com/Lenses/PSC_3787crx.aspx) for reviews. The 28-135 is a pretty reasonably good walk around lens, I think. Maybe the Canon 70-200 lens would be good for you, $550 for the F4, or quite a bit more for the F2.8 IS (image stabilisation) lens. If you need 300mm consider the 70-300 DO IS.

I have the Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro lens, it's fantastic: sharp as a tack even wide open, fast, it's not overly heavy, and can be used for general purpose too. The 180mm lens is a bit slower.

[wolf]

Welcome Cricket!

Here are a couple sites for you to snoop out that you may find interesting about "L" glass.
(1) (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-L-Lens-Series.aspx)
(2) (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-135mm-f-2.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx)

Looking forward to seeing some of your work.

[cricket]

I wish I had known about the "L" lenses when I bought the camera... I haven't used them yet, so I wonder if it would be worthwhile to send back the lenses and go for the "L" series. I had better go check out the prices, etc. I do appreciate the advise and feedback. I am pretty sure I'll go with the 100mm Macro for my close-up work!

Thanks again!

[Chris1le]

Now, Since I am here to learn... What is "L" glass?

Welcome to the board. I have to ask though. How could you spend $8000 on a Canon DSLR and not know what "L" glass is? :confused: I have the 28-135IS. You might want to send that one back. I'm sure its shortcomings will be very apparent on your awesome camera. You will really have to use top notch lenses with that camera. ;)

[PhotosGuy]

Welcome to the forum. Just a word of advice - It may be time to cut up your credit cards! ;)

[cricket]

Welcome to the board. I have to ask though. How could you spend $8000 on a Canon DSLR and not know what "L" glass is? :confused:

Well, the last Canon I bought was a T-90 back in 1986! I have used medium format and Nikon 35mm for the past ten years. I decided to go back to Canon, and do it right (so I thought). I read reviews of the camera, talked to several folks, and I never heard that Canon had this "L" line of lenses!

Just another spike in my learning curve! :o

[Chris1le]

I decided to go back to Canon, and do it right (so I thought)

Well you did it right as far as the body goes! :) Look forward to seeing some of your shots.

[mjordan]

Cricket, you have been hanging out at the wrong places. Those Nikon guys won't tell you about "L" glass. :lol:

But now you are in the right place and you'll learn all about the Canon "L" glass. Remember, without pain, you can't learn, but the pain goes away after the credit cards and 2nd mortgage are paid off. ;)

And from another Northwesterner, let me add my welcome to you. If you are in the Portland/Vancouver or Columbia River basin area and you like taking outdoor and scenic pictures, you might check out this site: PNNP (http://pacificnw.naturephotographers.net/index.htm) The guys on here know about every neat outdoor place to shoot, when to shoot it, and how to shoot it. :D

So welcome to the site.

Mike

[cricket]

Thanks Mike!

I'm hopping around the web looking for "L" lenses and the prices! Thank God you all have saved me from myself!

Coming out of a Nikon coma...

[defordphoto]

Thanks Mike!

I'm hopping around the web looking for "L" lenses and the prices! Thank God you all have saved me from myself!

Coming out of a Nikon coma...

Lenses, from B&H Photo/Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=FetchChildren&Q=&ci=8421), where most of us spend most of our money. ;)

[defordphoto]

Coming out of a Nikon coma...

STAT! Rush this patient to the ICU (Intensive Canon Unit) until she's fully recovered!

[wolf]

Cricket did you have a look at this site (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-135mm-f-2.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx) I posted earlier. There are links below all the lens pictures.

[cricket]

Yes, Wolf, I have it up. Thanks.

Question: Is there a good portrait range zoom in the "L" series? I see 24-70, a prime 135.

Ooooooh! I like the red stripes!

[drisley]

Welcome cricket!
I too think your camera will be limited by your lenses.
It's almost like buying a lamborghini and putting in a $50 stereo from Radio Shack.
That is one wicked camera!!!
You can go 2 routes, the L zooms, like the 24-70L you mentioned, and/or go with the cheaper, but often sharper, primes. Then, you could aslso look at the combination of primes that are L!
The 135F2L may be the sharpest lens Canon produces. It would make the best possible portrait lens you could buy for that camera since it is a full frame format.
I have one, and it is amazing!
Have a look here (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/) at some of the user reviews on various lenses.
You will notice that the 135F2L gets a perfect score. Other great additions would be the 50F1.4 and the 35F1.4L.

[cricket]

Thanks, Drisley!

I think I'm going to go with the 24-70L and the 135L for now, and when my financial situation catches its breath, get a couple more.

I will definitely send the other two back! I'm so glad you all have given me great advice!

The car analogy was good.

I'll share photos when I'm all set-up and have done something worthy of showing you all!

[bigmike631]

Wow. I'm envious! You want the best. Well, I would add the 135 2.0L, 35 1.4L, 85 1.2L, 200 1.8L. a 1.4 and 2.0, 70-200 2.8L extender and a 580ex flash. Nirvana (NW right)

If I was young and good Looking I'd add me. But since Im not. I'll just drink another red stripe.

[Jyoti]

Hi and welcome! :)

As for macro lenses, I have the Canon 50, 100 and I'm now hooked on the MP-E65. It's a beast of a lens, goes up to 5x life-size. The DOF then is tiny but that can give quite a nice effect, of course.

Here's a little gallery of shots done with it:

MP-E65 Gallery (http://www.bzangygroink.co.uk/phpgallery/November)

Bear in mind those aren't great pics but hopefully give a hint at the quality of the lens.

I also love the other two macros I've got, I use them all in different situations.

[DocFrankenstein]

This is... a strange post...

Are you totally sure you NEED an 8000$ body? What are you gonna use it for?

Do you REALLY need the high resolution?
Are you gonna make prints larger than 16*20?
Do you need weather protection?

Or are you filthy rich? :D

I know I am being rude, but it just does not seem like you're sure of what you need. If you really need the weathre protection OR extreme resolution and are willing to pay 6.5 grand for it, then sure...

But you do have a budget (even though it's a big one) and it seems like you don't have enough $$ to buy a decent set of lens for your camera. You'll also want 2 550 EX flashes at least.

I'd consider returning the body and getting the 20D instead.

[drisley]

Cricket, I should add that you could also get the 1.4x extender which will give you a 190mm F2.8 lens when coupled with the 135F2L, if you need more reach. There is no loss in image quality. I use that all the time.
Oooh, it's fun spending other's money!

[cmM]

Ooooooh! I like the red stripes!That's it... you're hooked!

Welcome aboard. You have an amazing piece of equipment there, enjoy!

You're gonna love this forum. It's almost as addictive as L glass

[pehabe]

Welcome to the club Cricket... I hope you enjoy our forum.
I just want to add to your "learning curve" that there are also Canon Lenses with Green Stripe (DO series, DO=Diffractive Optical).
These lenses are more lighter and compact than L series, I suppose more convinient for you to carry with.

Until now Canon just has two of them:
- EF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 DO IS USM (weight only 720g)
- EF 400mm f4 DO IS USM (weight only 1940g)

IS means Image Stabilisation, means feature to help photographer with shaky-hand like me... :)

And also some reading http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/lenses.html#L

Good luck ;)

[gramps]

Welcome to the Forum Cricket, look at the 24 - 70 real hard. It is the first chunk of glas I bought for my 20 D, after that it has been all L.............

[mr.photoguy]

welcome to the site ...

Always glad to have another memeber .. sweeeeeeet..


ohhh Macro, I want to get into that also.
Others may hate me for saying so, but check out the Tamron 180mm macro.. It's better than the Canon 180L and the Sigma 180 L ..

proof in this post
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50188

The optics are outstanding, but you can find all of that out yourself by searching the boards and also researching images on pbase.com using the search function.

It's really up to the user.
I hope you enjoy the forums as much as we all do ...

CyA.

[snibbetsj]

Welcome to the forum cricket. We're really a great bunch here and I've learned more here than I ever thought I'd want to know. :D

I think sending those two back (the 75-300 and the 28-135) and getting a 24-70L and a 135 f2L is a good idea. I'd think next about a 85 f1.2 or even the f1.8 and then possible a 100 f2.8 Macro.


Sounds like Christmas to me! :D :D

[ron chappel]

Gidday cricket,welcome to the forum!
You'll go doubly well here-the place is full of men so you'll allways have guys keen to help you ;););)
And you also have lots of $ and a need to spend it :cool:.As others have allready said,we love spending others money :p:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[scottbergerphoto]

Welcome to the forum! It's a great place to learn and share info. Nice choice in cameras!

Scott:)

[OneManArmy]

Yes, Wolf, I have it up. Thanks.

Question: Is there a good portrait range zoom in the "L" series? I see 24-70, a prime 135.

Ooooooh! I like the red stripes!
Are you the same "Cricket" from mma.tv?

[sGu]

Cricket, when you said "Northwest" and "Rains" a lot, are you suggesting you're based in UK?

[cmM]

Cricket, when you said "Northwest" and "Rains" a lot, are you suggesting you're based in UK?It also rains a lot in the northwest of the U.S. (seattle area)

[sGu]

Interesting ... could it be coincidence because we're in the Northwest???

[robertwgross]

It also rains a lot in the northwest of the U.S. (seattle area)

Seattle residents are born with webbed feet, so this is not a problem.

The white balance setting on their cameras will be permanently set to Cloudy.

---Bob Gross---

[Curos]

that prime 135 you see...is it the 135 f/2? if so, GET IT! It is incredible.

Also the 24-70 is incredible, or for a quarter of the price, the Tamron 28-75 XR Di is great also.

[Mills]

Welcome. L stands for "Low bank balance" but is still the way to go. Enjoy your new toy and have a wonderful Holiday! Don't forget to post some images soon. :D

[tim]

This is... a strange post...

Are you totally sure you NEED an 8000$ body? What are you gonna use it for?

Do you REALLY need the high resolution?
Are you gonna make prints larger than 16*20?
Do you need weather protection?

Or are you filthy rich? :D

I know I am being rude, but it just does not seem like you're sure of what you need. If you really need the weathre protection OR extreme resolution and are willing to pay 6.5 grand for it, then sure...

But you do have a budget (even though it's a big one) and it seems like you don't have enough $$ to buy a decent set of lens for your camera. You'll also want 2 550 EX flashes at least.

I'd consider returning the body and getting the 20D instead.

I second this post. Unless you're a pro or very demanding the 20D will do 90% as well for a lot less cost. Of course the 16MP or so will make for nicer large prints, if you need to do them often. If you have the money to spend though the 1DsMK2 should last you many years :)

[snibbetsj]

Cricket wrote:
Well, the last Canon I bought was a T-90 back in 1986! I have used medium format and Nikon 35mm for the past ten years. I decided to go back to Canon, and do it right (so I thought). I read reviews of the camera, talked to several folks, and I never heard that Canon had this "L" line of lenses!

She may well be a pro, she certainly has the experience :)

[cmM]

Well, the last Canon I bought was a T-90 back in 1986! I:oAahhhh, the good old days ... I was 3 :cool:

[OneManArmy]

I second this post. Unless you're a pro or very demanding the 20D will do 90% as well for a lot less cost. Of course the 16MP or so will make for nicer large prints, if you need to do them often. If you have the money to spend though the 1DsMK2 should last you many years :)
Agreed. I mean, let's not get "jelous" of someone who obviously is wealthy, but come on, don't buy a camera like that and then wonder what lenses to get, starting out with the 28-135 :rolleyes:

[HJMinard]

Agreed. I mean, let's not get "jelous" of someone who obviously is wealthy, but come on, don't buy a camera like that and then wonder what lenses to get, starting out with the 28-135 :rolleyes:

How is this constructive? It certainly gives the appearance of envy (... she doesn't deserve that camera - I know far more about photography equipment than she does).

Cricket bought possibly the best DSLR in the world. Apparently she can afford it. She announced it here ... accepted our opinion that she needed better glass and is taking action to make that happen. I, for one, am very happy for her.

Just because she is not knowledgable about Canon equipment does not mean she lacks knowledge of photography ... she's apparently been at it for quite a few years.

[Jon]

Welcome to the board. I think a lot of people are missing that you're a graphics professional; a camera's a professional tool. Ignore them.

Given that like me, your last Canon experience prior to your current camera was with the T90 (well, I got a New F-1 a couple of years later, when I saw a used bargain), and that, coming from 35 mm, you''re familiar with the angle of coverage you'll get there, I can't fault your initial choices. They're about what I started with, in fact. L is better, but in FD, the L glass was mostly super-teles, and, unlike now, there were non-L alternatives to most of them. However, many of the L lenses are weather-sealed, like the 1Ds Mk II, so you're probably well-advised to get them if only for that reason.

My macro's a Tamron 90 f/2.8. It works well.

[cricket]

Are you totally sure you NEED an 8000$ body? What are you gonna use it for?

Do you REALLY need the high resolution?
Are you gonna make prints larger than 16*20?
Do you need weather protection?

Or are you filthy rich? :D

I know I am being rude, but it just does not seem like you're sure of what you need. If you really need the weathre protection OR extreme resolution and are willing to pay 6.5 grand for it, then sure...

But you do have a budget (even though it's a big one) and it seems like you don't have enough $$ to buy a decent set of lens for your camera. You'll also want 2 550 EX flashes at least.

I'd consider returning the body and getting the 20D instead.

I want to reply to this, (and a few other replys) as I was surprised to see that some folks get rather personal here! I don't think I'll be offended, as I am rather amused!

Yes, I am a Professional Photographer. I am also a professional Graphic Designer. I am also a very good Photo Lab Technician (Commercial film processing, printing, and digital work). I have been at this from several angles and I definitely know what I want! I have done time as a school/team photographer, a mall photographer, mall Santa photographer, glamour photographer, wedding, portrait, product, dog shows, auto races, bands, and I don't know what all!

It's time for me to regroup and get all the stuff I need for the next wave. I am focusing on portraits for art, yes, larger sized prints. I will still do some weddings, and since I love cars, I will do some racing stuff as well. Then just play with macro and some of the landscapes I have always wanted to do. That will be a little ways down the road though.

Wanting the best quality, but not knowing about the "L" series lenses, is different from not knowing what I need. Now that I know, I need! It isn't a matter of not having enough $$ to but a decent set of lenses for my camera. The ones I ordered aren't exactly crap! I do plan to invest in some "L" series glass and I'll keep the lenses I bought for portrait work, as I don't really like my portraits to be so sharp. But the resolution is there when I want/need it. My God! Why not buy the best out there while I can?!

I live in the Northwest United States, and I really need weather protection! I don't always have an assistant with me to hold the umbrella!

I am not rich by a long shot. I have/had some savings and a small inheritence that I used to buy my sister a car (used but good), and a dream camera. I call it "Sexy" BTW.

As far as the 550 EX flashes, these I also am unfamiliar with. I was hoping I could use the 2 Quantum QFlash X2 flashes with Freewire that I already own. They are so good. I also use studio strobes, and Starlite continuous lighting, windows, reflectors, etc.

In a nutshell, I learned a long time ago that some Photographers didn't want to share information, and had major professional jealousy. I really hated that. Back in the 80's I was a young business owner/Photographer, and it was hard sometimes. I just used my personality and I got a lot of jobs because the clients didn't want a rude photographer mingling with their guests, or dealing with their kids, or whatever. Manners are the key.

I am so glad to have found a place to share the knowledge I have with others, and to learn new things as well!

Now, I am selling some medium format equipment. Where is the best place to sell?

Thanks!

[tim]

I want to reply to this, (and a few other replys) as I was surprised to see that some folks get rather personal here! I don't think I'll be offended, as I am rather amused!

I don't think anyone, myself included, meant to offend, just to educate - albeit some a little bluntly. From what you had previously said the Mk II was a bit of an overkill, although with what you've just said it makes much more sense.

Again, welcome the boards, and I look forward to seeing what you can do with your new toys :)

[cricket]

I don't think anyone, myself included, meant to offend, just to educate - albeit some a little bluntly. From what you had previously said the Mk II was a bit of an overkill, although with what you've just said it makes much more sense.

Again, welcome the boards, and I look forward to seeing what you can do with your new toys :)
Thank you, Tim. I'm glad to be here, and I am being educated! :cool:

[Mills]

Back to the point. Welcome Cricket. Enjoy photography and all that it has to offer. There is much to learn here from many great people. As time passes, you will get better at photography because of the people that you meet here, I certainly have. Have fun with your 1Ds Mark II and whatever glass you choose to attach. And don't forget to post the pictures that make you smile. :D

[pcasciola]

I have a question. If Cricket is not experienced enough to own a 1Ds Mk II, what makes all of you think you are good enough photographers to own a 20D? Sounds like sheer jealously to me. You don't have to "earn" the right to own a nice camera, just like you don't have to earn the right to buy a $200,000 Ferrari. You just need cash. Cricket obviously has some, and we should all be happy for her, not jealous.

Congratulations Cricket, and welcome to the forum. I look forward to seeing some of the awesome shots you will be taking with that incredible camera. But first, GET SOME NEW LENSES!!!! ;-)

[Fredinpa]

Welcome to the form cricket, good rebut.

[wolf]

Now, I am selling some medium format equipment. Where is the best place to sell?

I have been upgrading some of my lenses and have sold the old ones on Ebay with good success. The way I have done it is put a reserve price on the item equal to the amount I could logically sell it for locally. The closing bids have all averaged between 20%-40% higher than the reserve price. Might be something to consider.

[cmM]

as for your medium format, you can try camera stores (they buy used equipment). I don't know if there's a Calumet in your area (I think there's one In San Francisco), but I'm sure they take it.
Of course, there's always e-bay :)

You can also try the forums, but I doubt you'll have much luck selling medium format gear.

[Chazs]

Hey Cricket, welcome to the show; a little comedy, education, sorrow, envy - - wasted time I never have here. That's a great set-up (and well deserved) you're starting. I close my eyes every now and then and envision a nice black camera like that (of course, everything is black with the eyes closed). By the way, everyone in the Northwest is a professional photographer with the subjects available. I wish I had had my camera on the drive south to Seattle today - - such a georgeous day.

CHUCK

[DocFrankenstein]

Cricket:

I truly regret wasting 10 minutes of my time composing my reply. When I ask for advice on a personal matter (such as lenses) I accept the person's opinion and thank them for their time spent. Clearly my opinion is not needed and there is more than enough more knowledgeable people on this board to answer all of your future questions.

Thank you very much and welcome to the forum.

envy
Not at all. Quite opposite actually, when you see someone with an 8000$ body and low contrast soft 28-300 150$ zoom I feel pity, amusement and after getting acquainted, indifference.

Cheers

[toddb]

Actually, the sun came out a little today and hurt my eyes. Sun ruins your pictures...everyone knows that you get much better lighting on a cloudy day. Sun causes way to much contrast and shadows, cameras just can't extend that dynamic range very well, lol.

You go Cricket!! Don't listen to anyone about your body choice, if I had that much left on my credit card I'd buy it (I'm working on clearing off the credit card from the 10D purchase a year and a half ago, lol). I don't shoot for money but I'd definatly want that 16MP for shooting my kids so in 20 years from now I have the image and not the "I wish I had a larger negative" down the road.

I think if you do allot of digital work, that extra MP will come in handy. I know I wish I had more then 6MP now.

[eosster]

Maybe, it's time to let it go and just welcome her...that would be nice.

Cheers,

Charles,

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

Cricket, welcome to the forum.

I've lurked here for a while before I joined recently, and I do not remember anyone who stirred it up so well on the first post:lol:

Great camera and OK kit. the camera will be around a while, and lots of time to add L as you go. I got into photography through television graphics, and should have taken that extra step above the D60 at the time.

As to the commentary on the body, the only person that needs to be happy is you, because if your happy so is your customer:)

By your posts you are no amateur, and I'm sure you'll fix the lens issue quickly. by the way, I like the 28-135 as a walk-around lens.

Nice to know every one wants your body:lol: (Camera that is for the Politically Correct of you)

[cricket]

I've lurked here for a while before I joined recently, and I do not remember anyone who stirred it up so well on the first post:lol:

I know, isn't it a hoot?!

Well, I've always had a knack for trouble! ;)

As for everyone wanting my body...

Well, I plan on using the heck out of it, and I hope it lasts for many years. It will be that long before I can afford to get another!

Hey, is it customary to list all your gear in your signature here? I've seen that a lot... Don't think I will right now though. Can you imagine the rukus I'll cause going to other threads without an "L" lens on the list!? :lol:

[skid00skid00]

...for my 1Ds, and got the 75-300 and 28-135 for my wife's film camera, and the 24-70L, 70-200L IS, and 400 5.6L for me.

There's a *huge* difference between the 'L' and non-L lenses, and you'll see it if your shots push the envelope.

You're also going to want to learn RAW processing... plan on getting Photoshop CS if you don't already have it.

I've been thinking of writing up a quick/n/dirty guide to RAW processing webpage, let me know if you are interested.

[pcasciola]

I know, isn't it a hoot?!

Well, I've always had a knack for trouble! ;)

As for everyone wanting my body...

Well, I plan on using the heck out of it, and I hope it lasts for many years. It will be that long before I can afford to get another!

Hey, is it customary to list all your gear in your signature here? I've seen that a lot... Don't think I will right now though. Can you imagine the rukus I'll cause going to other threads without an "L" lens on the list!? :lol:

I'm glad you're taking it well. With all the negativity mixed in I was afraid you'd be scared off.

I'm definitely a fan of the gear in the signature, even though mine is pretty modest. I think it helps when I am interested in comparing lenses and I see someone that has one or both in their sig, I can ask them about their experience with them.

Those lenses you have are not THAT bad, despite all the comments. They just don't match a body of that cailber, that's all, and that is one smokin' body you have there. ;-)

[cricket]

You're also going to want to learn RAW processing... plan on getting Photoshop CS if you don't already have it.

I've been thinking of writing up a quick/n/dirty guide to RAW processing webpage, let me know if you are interested.
Yes, I do have Photoshop CS, and I have used RAW, but am not very experienced with it. I am interested in learning more. If you are willing to teach... Build it, I will come.

If it makes a difference in your teaching, I have been a Mac user for many, many years. Too many! I do use a PC from time to time. It's mostly a matter of having all that software in Mac. Well, let me know when you become a RAW Guru, and I'll fall in line!

Thanks!

[snibbetsj]

Cricket,

Probably one of your best investments should be Scott Kelby's "Adobe Photoshop CS for Digital Photographers"

It has 99% of everything you what to know about post-processing. Also, a book on color management might be helpful

WELCOME BOARD!

Merry Christmas :)

[boomer1959]

Hummm,
Good looking,
Knack for trouble,
AWSOME CAMERA,

Wanna get married :lol: :lol:
just kidding

Welcome to the forum. Can't wait to see some of your work :D

[rbbblues]

i'm new to the site as well........have a 1ds mark2 on order......have an array of lenses....some L, some not........let's not forget.....the best lens and the best camera means very little........it still boils down to the ability of the photographer.......

visit: www.richardbluesteinphotos.com for good examples....

let me know what you all think

[digitalmono]

IMHO, another good meaning for "L" is: no more new car, no more travel, no more bigger display, no more...

Welcome and enjoy this place. I'm shure you'll find here the best advices from great people.

[toddb]

Yes, I do have Photoshop CS, and I have used RAW, but am not very experienced with it. I am interested in learning more. If you are willing to teach... Build it, I will come.

I consider this a must read, "Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS" by Bruce Fraser. I'm about 2/3 but I'm pretty surprised how much I didn't know. Best $25 you'll spend. Amazon Book Link (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/032127878X/qid=1103784629/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-7847490-5444133?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

A couple quick tips, did you know you can bypass the camera raw dialog box by Shift-double clicking on one or many images? Holding down the alt key on when moving the exposure and shadows sliders you can see the white and black clipping. When the raw dialog box is open, you can hold down the shift key to get the skip button instead of the ok button to auto move to the next raw image if you are opening up server at the time. I almost always use the alt and use the update button (replaced the ok) instead of opening the raw after processing and wait to batch all of them at once when I'm done. Make sure you save your raw tweaks in the "side car xmp files" instead of the database, you'll thank me later, this holds the meta data tweaks as well as your raw conversion changes. You can export the cache on each subdirectory that hold the thumbnails, previews, flagging, ranking, rotation, and sort order. Do this BEFORE you archive to a DVD (which you you'll find with a 16MP camera is a must have). Doing this last two things will insure that when you pop this disk in another computer with PS, you'll have all your changes and previews ready to go. Saves ALLOT of time.

All this is just a sample of what the book will teach you not to mention how a digital camera compares to a film camera and how to think Linear Gamma. I highly recommend this book.

[chris.bailey]

I want to reply to this, (and a few other replys) as I was surprised to see that some folks get rather personal here! I don't think I'll be offended, as I am rather amused!

Yes, I am a Professional Photographer. I am also a professional Graphic Designer. I am also a very good Photo Lab Technician (Commercial film processing, printing, and digital work). I have been at this from several angles and I definitely know what I want! I have done time as a school/team photographer, a mall photographer, mall Santa photographer, glamour photographer, wedding, portrait, product, dog shows, auto races, bands, and I don't know what all!


Ha Ha Ha, That put a few people in their places in the nicest possible way. Both the 1DMkII and 1DSMkII are fantastic cameras, probably the best 35mm digital cameras money can buy.

The 28-135 is a super lens for the D60/10D/20D but having it and the 28-70L I think you will be a little disappointed with the 1DS/28-135 combination. To start images straight out of the 1DS are 'soft' and together with the sheer resolving power of the 1DS, the 28-135 may not really be up to the job. Several on here use a 1DMKII with the 28-70 and I have found it great for portraits (thoug a tad heavy hand held). Using the 28-135 would be a bit liking putting ordinary petrol in a race car, it will go but it wont win races.

Welcome to our world!

[donlavange]

I love the F2.8L 70-200. It si a monster but sooo sharp!

[deezeljuice]

Cricket, Welcome to the forum. You've got some great equipment, and you'll find some excellent help and advice here. I apologize for the member who took an attitude with you, that's his problem, not yours. Actually, it's the pros who offer the most and the best advice here, so you may be called on to give advice more than get it.:)

[OneManArmy]

Cricket, are you the same "Cricket" from mma.tv, or coincidence? Welcome to the forum.

[cricket]

Cricket,

Probably one of your best investments should be Scott Kelby's "Adobe Photoshop CS for Digital Photographers"

It has 99% of everything you what to know about post-processing. Also, a book on color management might be helpful

WELCOME BOARD!

Merry Christmas :)
You are so right! I have this book on my Christmas list. If I don't get it then, I'll get it myself!

I belong to NAPP, and I really respect Scott Kelby!

Yes, color management is so important to understand!

Thank you!

[cricket]

Cricket, are you the same "Cricket" from mma.tv, or coincidence? Welcome to the forum.
No I'm not. I am just Cricket here! Thanks for the welcome!

[cricket]

Cricket, Welcome to the forum. You've got some great equipment, and you'll find some excellent help and advice here. I apologize for the member who took an attitude with you, that's his problem, not yours. Actually, it's the pros who offer the most and the best advice here, so you may be called on to give advice more than get it.:)
Thank you very much! I actually sent a pm to that individual to call for a truce. I'll just say it fell flat... :confused:

[cricket]

I consider this a must read, "Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS" by Bruce Fraser.Amazon Book Link (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/032127878X/qid=1103784629/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-7847490-5444133?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)
Thank you for that awesome information! I am so amazed at the smarts you all have on this forum! I feel like I have hundreds of Gurus! :cry: I Love You Man!

[cricket]

Hummm,
Good looking,
Knack for trouble,
AWSOME CAMERA,

Wanna get married :lol: :lol:
just kidding
Hey! What do you mean "Just Kidding?"

Dang! If I'd known I was going to get marriage proposals as well as excellent advice, I'd have signed up long ago!!! :D

[cricket]

i'm new to the site as well........have a 1ds mark2 on order......have an array of lenses....some L, some not........let's not forget.....the best lens and the best camera means very little........it still boils down to the ability of the photographer.......

visit: www.richardbluesteinphotos.com for good examples....

let me know what you all think
Hi there! Welcome to the forum!

You touched a couple of soft spots in my heart!

First with the abstract nature of several of your shots. Nice! Also with color. You are (I'm fortune telling here) a man who is not afraid to take chances, and show the results to the world! I applaud that!

Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring to me! :cool:

[MT]

As for everyone wanting my body...

She's going to have to post some pictures first...oh, the camera body - nevermind.

[MarkH]

The 28-135 is a super lens for the D60/10D/20D but having it and the 28-70L I think you will be a little disappointed with the 1DS/28-135 combination. To start images straight out of the 1DS are 'soft' and together with the sheer resolving power of the 1DS, the 28-135 may not really be up to the job. Several on here use a 1DMKII with the 28-70 and I have found it great for portraits (thoug a tad heavy hand held). Using the 28-135 would be a bit liking putting ordinary petrol in a race car, it will go but it wont win races.

One thing I wonder here - are you just talking about edge sharpness?

The 1Ds MkII has no more pixel density than the 10D and less than the 20D, so the centre of the image should be just as sharp as an image from the 10D.

Personally I wouldn't think the images from the 28-135 would be too bad, but the 24-70 f2.8L would be sharper (and it has better control over DoF).

My suggestion for lenses:
Get the 24-70 f2.8L and the 70-200 f2.8L IS, these are sharp zooms and are both weather sealed (like the 1Ds Mk II). Get the 50 f1.4 for a nice fast lens and the 85 f1.8 (or f1.2). Then add other lenses as required.

[skid00skid00]

One thing I wonder here - are you just talking about edge sharpness?

The 1Ds MkII has no more pixel density than the 10D and less than the 20D, so the centre of the image should be just as sharp as an image from the 10D.



Just a note to everyone... Chuck Westfal from Canon has posted on another forum (might have been Rob Galbraith's or Fred Miranda's) that the 10D makes adjustments even to the *RAW* files, before they are saved to CF. I *think* that includes some sharpening, it definitely includes noise reduction.

The 1-series camera RAW files are well and truly RAW, with no sharpening or noise reduction.

[aam1234]

Never saw a welcome thread for a new member go this "hot". Was it because of the MKII? or that she is a female?...me think both.

[deezeljuice]

It doesn't matter if she is female or space alien. She doesn't deserve the attitude she got from a couple of members and is due an apology. I didn't read anywhere that we had to get our equipment approved before we could join this forum.
So how 'bout it Doc?

[aam1234]

It doesn't matter if she is female or space alien. She doesn't deserve the attitude she got from a couple of members and is due an apology. I didn't read anywhere that we had to get our equipment approved before we could join this forum.
So how 'bout it Doc?

If you ask me, Doc's post was frank and sincere. I didn't find anything wrong with it. As a matter of fact, his frankness is to be commended (IMO).

[boomer1959]

Hey! What do you mean "Just Kidding?"

Dang! If I'd known I was going to get marriage proposals as well as excellent advice, I'd have signed up long ago!!! :D



Well then!!!!!! I might just have to retract the (just kidding) part. :lol:

Thats what I like in a girl, a good sense of humor :D

Still looking forword to see some of your work.

[Pekka]

It doesn't matter if she is female or space alien. She doesn't deserve the attitude she got from a couple of members and is due an apology. I didn't read anywhere that we had to get our equipment approved before we could join this forum.
So how 'bout it Doc?

Exactly. I dont get the flow of thinking that great camera body requires great lenses and you need to prove that you are somehow 'accredited' or capable of understanding the greatness of you camera! :confused:

I would buy Mark II with 50/1.8 ONLY or some cheap Tamron zoom ONLY. You can buy other lenses later. But it is indeed wise, if you have the money, to buy the best body you can get as you first DSLR - you don't need to dwell on what's the next 20D, or how can I change viewfinder on 20D threads, ever. All creative possibilties are open and all ideas can be realized.

I'm glad to see that Cricket has grey cells on right places and self-esteem build to last. That is a good sign for a photographer and an artist - you'll see people critique you all the way down to MoMA so it is important how you take it.

If I were your mom I would require that guys who put Cricket down based on her choice of gear apologize immediately and let Cricket take time to do and share her work whatever gear she has and share with us - then and only then you can discuss what gear might be most suitable. But I'm not a your papa or mama - you decide. This is Cristmas time.

I for one would like to warmly welcome Cricket to the forums.
:lol:

[eosster]

Amen Pekka, now can we start over and just welcome her,

Cheers,

Charles,

[JK]

Welcome to the forum cricket and congratulations on generating 5 pages of replies on your first post (that's gotta be a record! :) )

Given your interest in macro photography, you may want to look at Canon's 100mm macro lens and also Sigma's 50mm 1:1 macro which I have used and found to be *very* sharp. Either of those should be a great combination with your new camera!

Cheers,

JK

[defordphoto]

Looks like the children got a little carried away here. Shame on you!

Anyway, I'll quote the very first response to Cricket's thread:

Howdy neighbor and welcome to the forum!! Nice choice there on your first dSLR! WOW! Usually people start out small and work their way up. You just started at the stop. Awesome!!

Others will offer much information on macros. Most prefer the 100 f/2.8, but there are several choices. We love helping others spend their money! :lol: That's 'cause we don't have any left!

Enjoy your new home here.

Unfortunately in this case, some others acted like spoiled, jealous little brats. Okay, you all play nice now or we'll send you to your rooms without dinner or your camera equipment! :)

[HKFEVER]

Whenever "GIRLS" shows up in any forums, it attract people.
88 reply and over thousands viewing......so far

[Vita Rara]

Another AMEN Pekka.

Cricket welcome aboard. All you folks getting these new 1Ds Mk II's have me rethinking my plan to get a 1D Mk II. So, I guess you'll fit right in here, making me think about spending more money and all. ;)

[phili1]

Cricket. your about to get a bunch of different answers. Each person has there own likes and dislikes, both are right but for them.

Now L glass is great but there are lenses that are not and are great as well.

I own five lenses 2 are L glass and three are not. I will stack my Tamron 28-75 F2.8 to just about any lens but that is my opinion.

If you want a human evaluation this site can give it to you. Hands on reviews

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

By the way welcome to the forum.

[Belmondo]

Cricket:
Welcome aboard.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Cricket,
Welcome and Merry X-mas :)

Congrats on the super camera! :)

As Jim said waaaaaaay back in your first reply.. the 100mm Macro is a great choice for a Macro lens. You may also want to look at some other super lenses.. the 85mm f/1.2L and 135mm f/2L

For zooms.. ditch the ones you have as soon as possibel :0 and replce them with
24-70mm f/2.8L or Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
For the long end, 70-200mmL .. take your pic.. there are three of them ranging in price from about $550.00 thru $1500.00 ;) (all three are superb)

Have a great holiday!

[DocFrankenstein]

I feel I owe an apology for my "bratty childish carried away sexist" replies to this thread.

I am not a bit sorry for my replies in the english sense "I'm sorry for what I said/done" but the greek one. Apologia stands for an explanation of behaviour. So here goes:

In my book, I try to never give advice on a matter unless somebody specifically asks me something. Cricket posted a question with a brief introduction of herself. In a way, she was asking members of this board for advice:

I have just purchased my first EOS digital camera! I got the EOS-1ds Mark II, with a 75-300 lens and a 28-135 also.

I am hoping to get a good Macro lens as well, but am not sure which will suit my needs. I've never owned a prime lens for a 35mm, much less a Macro. Any suggestions?
For me it seemed like she didn't have extensive experience with Canon lineup of products... nor did it look like she tested/seen what 20D is capable of... so I suggested she would consider a 20D body... and mentioned that she'd return 28-135 and 75-300 as they don't perform good enough on the cam.

I mentioned that her lens/body combination IN MY OPINION is expensive and unproductive, but if she needs extreme resolution or weather protection and thinks it's worth the price, she by all means should go for it.

It's a purely technical opinion! I did not sugar coat it, and if you ask me for my opinion, I'll say that it's silly to put mediocre lens on a 16mp CMOS.

Now, in my book, when I ask advice from somebody, I hear it out and just thank for the opinion, even if that's not the one I'd like to hear.

What did Cricket do? She took my opinion on a technical subject and applied it to her ability as an artist. How she connected the two I don't know.

Art is not technical. Art is making your audience think... Art is to represtent life... (or the other way around... whatever) Art is about how you pick your lighting, colors and how you pose your subject. Art does not depend on lenses... and I understand that. And I did not mean to insult her artistical abilities in any way.

What's happening, is I'm saying:
An 85mm prime will give you a sharper higher contrast picture
Cricket: Hey, watch it! I was a Santa Photographer
Everybody else: You're a sexist jelous pig! Watch it!

WHY?

I know it's an extreme example. But suppose she'd buy a MKII and a lensbaby and a pinhole "lens". I'd pretty much said the same exact thing if asked for advice. You'll get the same quality picture on a 6mp camera which costs 10 times less.

I'd like to know how you derive that I consider her a bad artist from saying that it's unproductive to put a pinhole lens on MKII?
How do you derive that I'm sexist?
Or that I'm being rude for giving an opinion she asked for?

BTW: She offered me a "truce" as if we're 2 countries at war or something, when we merely had some communication problems.

My reply was that I can only offer technical advice, and since she clearly doesn't need my opinion on her lens choices I'll just shut up and leave her alone.

Art can be created with anything... But you'll save some $$ if you create art with a pinhole camera mounted on 10D than on MKII.

If anybody still considers me envious sexist... etc... Please explain why.

[charlesu]

Hi Cricket,

First of all, welcome to the forum. It's a pretty good community. Congratulations on your return to Canon gear. I've owned a lot of different stuff myself including Hassy and other medium format (which got sold as soon as I saw my first print from my 1Ds).

You have some good stuff and good advice (on the whole). There are other places (sorry Pekka) that you might want to check out too. Luminous-Landscape.com is a very cool site. Not a community such as this one but Michael does some great testing and reporting. His review of the 1dsMKII and a comparison to medium format is enlightening.

I think you are headed in the right direction with your gear. And if you ever have doubts, there are 200 opinions readily available here. I've ventured away from Canon glass several times but never again, especially in the digital realm. Always a lesson learned.

I'd second all the stuff you are looking at. I personally use the 16-35 2.8L, 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8L among others. I also have a 28-135 (great carry lens), 28-105 (ditto), 85 1.8 (remarkable lens at a remarkable price, great for portraiture), 50 1.4 (ditto, a must have if you do natural light portraiture).

If you are shooting professionally you will need a backup body. I heartily recommend the 20D. Image quality is simply remarkable (very close to my 1D Mk II) and it's very affordable. It also makes a great travel camera (without the grip) if you slap on a 28-135 or a 28-105.

Good luck with your work. I look forward to seeing some of your posts in the sharing forums. You will see most of mine under people. I love shooting people more than anything else.

Regards,

Charles

.

[Belmondo]

Doc:

Your explanation isn’t necessary. Anyone who has been on this forum for a while knows you’re a good guy. The concerns you expressed initially were on a lot of people’s minds; you were simply the most vocal. After all, it is a bit unusual to see someone log on as a new member having just bought the ultimate DSLR body together with a couple marginal-quality lenses. I think that caught everyone’s attention.

Based on her experience, I believe we can all be satisfied that Cricket is a good candidate for a pro body like the 1Ds Mk II, but that she also could have initially benefited from some better advice on lenses.

We’re all friends here.



Tom

[TonyKInTexas]

I don't know. I could go for a 1DMkII and use my Tamron 28-75 on it. :)

Agreed. I mean, let's not get "jelous" of someone who obviously is wealthy, but come on, don't buy a camera like that and then wonder what lenses to get, starting out with the 28-135 :rolleyes:

[TonyKInTexas]

Hi ya,

RAW is much more like a negative than JPG images. It provides capabilities to recover information and make adjustments during the conversion from RAW to output image.

There are several RAW converter programs. Each has their own following and I have used several of them myself. Right now I am using Bibble Pro and like it very much. If you have a lot of photos to run, you need something more than PS CS unless you can spend time coding a filter/action/etc to automate the process.

There is also Phase One (LE and PRO - I own and have used LE) but they are running late with their v3.6 which will support the CR2 format RAW the 1DSMkII writes (or the 20D for that matter).

More of a personal note: My wife and I lived in Portland for about 15 months and yes, you need weather resistant equipment. Not only have you purchased an awesome camera body but also one you do not have to fear in the mists of the Pacific NW. Unfortunately, your lenses will need to be of the same build or you lose some of the weather protection. Plan on spending some cash over the course of the next several months to get what you need.

Regarding flashes, I would look at the 580EX and not 550EX flashes. The difference is ETTL-2 and the update capabilities the 580 has over the 550. I use a Metz 54 MZ3 (I have to send it in to be reprogrammed for my 20D) and it works very well.

I held off welcoming you because it looked like all of the guys were falling over themselves to do so. I waited for the clamoring to subside :) and to see what unfolded.

Good luck and I look forward to seeing some images from the system. (We miss the beauty of the Pacific NW, not the weather though :) ).

Take care,
Yes, I do have Photoshop CS, and I have used RAW, but am not very experienced with it. I am interested in learning more. If you are willing to teach... Build it, I will come.

If it makes a difference in your teaching, I have been a Mac user for many, many years. Too many! I do use a PC from time to time. It's mostly a matter of having all that software in Mac. Well, let me know when you become a RAW Guru, and I'll fall in line!

Thanks!

[TonyKInTexas]

Welcome. Nice to meet ya.

So you have some L glass. You're getting the 1DSMkII. Boy is Santa good to you this year! :)


i'm new to the site as well........have a 1ds mark2 on order......have an array of lenses....some L, some not........let's not forget.....the best lens and the best camera means very little........it still boils down to the ability of the photographer.......

visit: www.richardbluesteinphotos.com for good examples....

let me know what you all think

[dsze]

Welcome Cricket.....wish I had a 1D! :) ....L glass is great, but its not everything. When I got my first L lens, the 70-200 f/4, I loved it and immediately discounted everything that wasn't a Canon L series.... I missed out on alot of good shooting, because I couldn't afford more L right away and so I attempted to shoot everything with the 70-200 while I saved money...obviously limiting my shooting possibilities. .....point being; I've since realised that there are other GREAT lenses available for EOS bodies that rival L quality at 1/3 the L price. The three I've held on to and found to produce outstanding results are in my sig. below. You might check those out. BTW, all 3 can be had for under $900. I don't have a Macro, but I shoot mostly people (portraits, weddings, Seniors, sports).... and this collection has served me very well!

-daniel

[Mark_Cohran]

Cricket, back to your question about selling medium format gear; you didn't specify where in the Pacific Northwest you are, but if like me, you're in the Portland area, you can't put your gear on consignment with Pro Photo Supply or Surburban Photo, or one of th other local shops. I'm sure there are similar shops in Seattle, Eugene or where ever you might reside. Unfortunately, the value of MF gear has dropped considerably in this area (I would suspect this is due to the incursion of digital equipment), so you might want to consider holding on to it. The gear is still quite useful. On the other hand, the suggestion to use e-Bay to sell your equipment is good as long as you research the system and detemine the best way to protect yourself when completing your purchase. Good luck, and welcome.

Mark

[phili1]

Well you made me go thru the entire post and I did not find anything offensive.

Cricket, you bought the best camera and you should enjoy it. As far as needing great lenses to go with it, I do not agree that you need only L glass. I have 2 and they are great but I have seen lenses that have taken some awsome pictures. Sigma and Tamron have a few.

Everything you buy should go with what you want to shoot. If you want birds you need 300mm to 800mm but the costy is expensive, so we go with the 100-400L zoom of the Sima 50-500 zoom. Primes above 300mm cost big bucks and some have it and some do not.

If you want to do portrait you want 70 to 105mm lens, my choice is Tamron 28-75 F2.8 it does a good job. Some like Canons 17 to 40 but you have to be carefull about elongation.

If you want to shoot sports, recitale's shows, some races you can get away with Canons 70-200 F4 L, it's cheap and good, but if you can afford it the F 2.8 IS is super.

If you want a cheap way out you can get a tele extender, I just got the Kenko 2 X for my Canon 100-400 and did some test with it and it is sharp as can be, so you can extend the 70-200 and get an 140-400.

Macro is a personal prefderence. I already have a 105mm F2.8 macro but if I had nmy way I would get the 180mm, because it gives you m ore working room with insects.


But the best part is posting your images for everyone to see. If you want I will give you a couple of web site of some ladies who blow us away with there work, they are the best I have seen.

Wecome and enjoy this fantastic media called photography.

[sparker1]

This thread was in danger of falling off the first page, so I decided to bump it.

[jhankins]

Welcome to the forum, I've only just found this neverending post. :) I would feel left out if I didn't participate.

We have a few things in common although I don't have the length of time behind the lens (lost my way in networking technologies for many years). My wife and I run wedding and family portrait business (quite new actually) in Michigan. We are people people and just truely enjoy the work. It's surprising to hear the stories from people about the photographers they've dealt with in the past. Just when you think you've heard it all, you hear another story that outdoes it.

I also have the same camera body. I'm very happy with it, only concerned with a missing image issue that is covered in another thread and still an open and unsolved mystery. Keep an eye out for that one as I'm not alone with this problem and this body. Could be a flash card compatibility issue or the like. When I finally resolve, I'll post to the thread that was started a few days ago.

I assume you've uncovered the PS Raw plugin for your raw images, it's beta and can be downloaded from Adobe's website (version 2.4). I've been using ACR with the 10D prior so I was happy to get my hands on a version that supported the 1DS Mark II. There's a good book on camera raw by Bruce Fraser I recently happened upon. Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS. ISBN 0-321-27878-X

On the portrait lens, I love the 70-200 2.8L IS, I do wish it was lighter but one can't have everything. I do plan on picking up the 24-70 2.8L. I've borrowed my neighbors for a spell and was quite happy with the results. I'm also planning on picking up the wireless file transfer addon soon. Also planning on a macro lens to have fun with my oldest son (7) who is a bug nut. I look forward to seeing his expression when we produce a 16x20 of a lady bug or something else that he uncovers. :)

A Very Merry Christmas and Welcome to the forum! Off to yet another home as we continue our xmas travel circuit here in Detroit visting family.

[bachscuttler]

Welcome Cricket.

One thing I have noticed here is you will be lambasted for having lower end gear like me), even if you take reasonable photos and you will be lambasted for having top gear (and admit to still learning).

Do you start with low end gear, learn your stuff and upgrade your gear as you progress or do you get the best gear you can possibly afford and learn with that?

At the end of the day, it's your decision, no one elses and I have noticed that the best advice comes from the real pros.

I am at the beginning of my photographic learning curve and am at the bottom of the rung gear wise, but no amount of snobbery and bigotry will spoil my enjoyment of this fantastic hobby.

Who knows, in a couple of years I might just be giving some people a run for their money? :lol:

[markubig]

I just want to be able to say that I took part in this historic thread . .

:D :D :D :D

Hi Cricket!!!

Welcome!!!

[BearSummer]

Hi Cricket,

welcome to the forum and well done for waking everyone up. Hope that you have lots of fun with the new camera and feel like showing us some of your work when you get around to playing with your new toy.

Best regards

BearSummer

[mrk]

:) Thanks for the welcome! Now, Since I am here to learn... What is "L" glass?

Thanks!
Firstly, welcome to the forums, I too am new here and have been doing photography as a hobby for a year and widh to make a career out of it!

Now, it makes me depressed when everyone tells me what camera they have especially when it's a 1D* series :eek::eek::eek::eek:

But I grab my depressed bum off the floor and tell myself that my rebel is sstill special and it's the user using it not the camera hehehe.

I'm sure you will enjoy the 1Ds mkII (did I say I am envious?) and will look at your work with wide open eyes no doubt.

P.S. Damn you and your 1ds mkII!


P.P.S. Damn you!!! :o

[roanjohn]

.........wow!!!............did I miss something here??

RO1

[jylitalo]

I would buy Mark II with 50/1.8 ONLY or some cheap Tamron zoom ONLY. You can buy other lenses later. But it is indeed wise, if you have the money, to buy the best body you can get as you first DSLR - you don't need to dwell on what's the next 20D, or how can I change viewfinder on 20D threads, ever. All creative possibilties are open and all ideas can be realized.

While I agree with you that everyone should be free to buy whatever camera body they want without being asked if they are worth it, I am not certain if best strategy is to go for the best body one can buy.

Four years ago I started digital photography with digi IXUS (before that I had been shooting something like 150-400 dia slides a year on vacations with film SLR). I used it for two years, but then I started to have more control to shutter speed etc. and went for Canon G3. I used G3 for two years, but then I wanted to have more wide angle, more tele, faster response, experiment with DoF, etc..
When I was looking for dSLR body, I was looking for something that would have all the features that I might need for next couple years and then put same amount of cash for lenses, so that I would be able to cover those things that I hadn't been able to do with G3. 300D might have been able to do it with hacked firmware, but 20D has all those features and gives me enough new things to keep me happy for next couple years. If/when time comes to upgrade my dSLR body, the money that I invested for glass will (hopefully still) be useful with that as well. With that in mind, I prefer to have some balance between money that you put for the body and lenses.

100% coverage on optical viewfinder and weathersealing in camera body would have been nice, but I don't consider them to be worth extra 2000-3000EUR for me at this point. I also don't think that I would still be happy with EOS D30, if I would have bought that four years ago instead of IXUS. If I would have chance to reconsider my G3 purchase, I would still buy G3 instead of 1D. G3 vs. D60 would have been tougher choice, but D60 didn't exist at that time and I probably wouldn't have been hungry enough for all the new stuff. After going this path, my parents now have digital camera, I have G3 as nice backup camera and everyone in a family is happy.

- Juha, http://www.ylitalot.net/photos/public/Favorites/thumbs.html

P.S. I guess the question on whether someone is worthy enough to buy some high priced item could be asked from all those Porsche, Ferrari, etc. owners, who can't push their cars to their limits without breaking laws. Yet, it is allowed as long as they have enough money to pay their toys.

[Mogwyth]

.........wow!!!............did I miss something here??

RO1 :lol::lol:Yep dumb bird with great body, poor eyesight:lol::lol:

NB this is a cheap joke and not a personal insult, and no I have not read all the thread so if it's been done :o

Welcome to the forum, Cricket. Couldn't careless what camera you have, as long as you enjoy it and get the results you want, that's all that realy counts.

By the way L lenses are not the be all and end all of lenses there are some great alternatives by Sigma etc that are worth considering.

[robekert]

Exactly. I dont get the flow of thinking that great camera body requires great lenses and you need to prove that you are somehow 'accredited' or capable of understanding the greatness of you camera! :confused:

I would buy Mark II with 50/1.8 ONLY or some cheap Tamron zoom ONLY. You can buy other lenses later. But it is indeed wise, if you have the money, to buy the best body you can get as you first DSLR - you don't need to dwell on what's the next 20D, or how can I change viewfinder on 20D threads, ever. All creative possibilties are open and all ideas can be realized. :lol:

I whole heartedly agree. The only limitation I posess with my 1DMkII is ME :lol:
Cheers,
Rob

P.S. Welcome to the board, Cricket

[Pekka]

.........wow!!!............did I miss something here??

RO1

No, I think Cricket has already left for good.

[RJSorensen]

That would be too bad . . . sometimes the boards are tough.

[pcasciola]

Tough? I'll bet she is still laughing about it. Guys with Digital Rebels telling her what equipment she "should" be using, as if they were the experts. Oh, sorry, I mean the "artists"....

The really amusing part is that this thread now has more views than 2 of the 3 very useful sticky posts in this forum, is currently in the top 25 all time viewed threads, and #7 in number of replies.:lol::lol::lol:

[THE BEAST]

Hi welcome, just joined myself, L's = Luxury, I think, correct me if I am wrong.

Cheers,

Charles,
I Think i read somewhere that the L stands for leadfree coz they use leadfree glass.

[Jon]

No, "luxury". They're moving to leadfree glass in all their lenses.

[bachscuttler]

Tough? I'll bet she is still laughing about it. Guys with Digital Rebels telling her what equipment she "should" be using, as if they were the experts. Oh, sorry, I mean the "artists"....

Yet more equipment snobbery...judging peoples expertise on their equipment
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[pcasciola]

Yet more equipment snobbery...judging peoples expertise on their equipment
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Who me? I wasn't judging anyone. It actually WAS Digital Rebel owner's advising this very experienced photographer/graphic artist how a 1Ds Mk II was too much camera for her, and that it wouldn't make her any more of an artist. There's nothing wrong with a Digital Rebel. I came really close to buying one until I heard the 20D was coming out, which just happened to suit my needs better and didn't completely break the bank. The 1D Mk II is what I really need, but I just can't afford one right now.

bachscuttler, just noticed your sig. Even though I didn't mean it that way, it looks like I've been nabbed by the equipment snobbery police. :lol:

[bachscuttler]

Who me? I wasn't judging anyone. It actually WAS Digital Rebel owner's advising this very experienced photographer/graphic artist how a 1Ds Mk II was too much camera for her, and that it wouldn't make her any more of an artist. There's nothing wrong with a Digital Rebel. I came really close to buying one until I heard the 20D was coming out, which just happened to suit my needs better and didn't completely break the bank. The 1D Mk II is what I really need, but I just can't afford one right now.
Apologies for throwing bricks out my pram and I take your point :confused:
As you probably gathered I get a little touchy about people being judged on gear, a throwback from my musicians days.
I would looooove to own a 1D if I had the money I would buy the best I could afford but I see some great photos taken on much lesser cameras and my hat goes off to the people that achieve a lot on lower end gear.

It takes time and lots of practice and a good eye to take good pictures.
It's inevitable that people who haven't got top equipment are going to offer advice here and there and they might not have the experience of some of the excellent photographers (pro and otherwise) that post on here, but they are still entitled to their opinions.
Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one. Cue my new signature...

[Mogwyth]

Tough? I'll bet she is still laughing about it. Guys with Digital Rebels telling her what equipment she "should" be using, as if they were the experts. Oh, sorry, I mean the "artists"....

:mad:Oh Pleeease, Inexpensive equipment does not equate to either a lack knowledge nor artistic ability. The quailty of your equipment only equates to the depth of your pockets. The guy I have learnt the most from about landscape photography has a couple of beat up Russian manual SLRs and two lenses (which I can assure you have very little to do with L) and he manages to earn a living from his pics.

By all means mock those who are giving advice out of their depth, if you are in a position to judge but leave the equipment snobbery out of it.

[pcasciola]

You know, when I originally typed that message I knew it was a mistake. I honestly did not mean to knock Digital Rebel owners. As I said previously, I think it's a great camera, and I almost bought one myself. Sorry if I offended anyone there.

[Vita Rara]

Philip,

Don't sweat it. I'm a dRebel owner and I got a good chuckle out of your post.

[Mogwyth]

You know, when I originally typed that message I knew it was a mistake. I honestly did not mean to knock Digital Rebel owners. As I said previously, I think it's a great camera, and I almost bought one myself. Sorry if I offended anyone there.
No problem.

Keeps the thread going.:lol:

[bachscuttler]

You know, when I originally typed that message I knew it was a mistake. I honestly did not mean to knock Digital Rebel owners. As I said previously, I think it's a great camera, and I almost bought one myself. Sorry if I offended anyone there.
Your'e a good and humble man for taking the point on board. Respect

[RJSorensen]

I love my new 20D and I like the many new features it provides me. However my new pictures seem to look a lot like my old ones . . . perhaps to be expected? New camera but same old photographer taking the shots.

I am on a quest however . . . a one man quest to learn to see different, to shoot different. Looking at the galleries and shots shared here helps, information helps, practice helps. I guess my point here is that better gear won't make better pictures . . . all the time. Equipment and or gear will always take a back seat to talent, to seeing light, to composition, these days even post production work.

I will take advice from anyone whom can or will provide a point of veiw, a shared experiance. Even if they shoot a G2 . . . or a Nikon.

[Andy_T]

Cricket,

apart from welcoming you to the forum as well, let me point your interest towards another lens that might be interesting for your portrait photography ... the Canon EF 135/2.8 SF.

The SF stands for soft focus, the ability of the lens to blur the subject in two steps if you want to (without applying the feature, it's supposed to be a very sharp lens).

Best regards,

Andy

[cricket]

I guess my point here is that better gear won't make better pictures . . . all the time. Equipment and or gear will always take a back seat to talent, to seeing light, to composition, these days even post production work.
I will agree to that!

[halesr]

I assume you've uncovered the PS Raw plugin for your raw images, it's beta and can be downloaded from Adobe's website (version 2.4). I've been using ACR with the 10D prior so I was happy to get my hands on a version that supported the 1DS Mark II. There's a good book on camera raw by Bruce Fraser I recently happened upon. Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS. ISBN 0-321-27878-X
Sorry for going off topic--BUT, I think I need the PS Raw plugin (beta). I am using DPP with my 1dMark2, but my husband needs something to work with his PhotoShop CS and the files he took with my camera. Do I just need to search at the Adobe site?

Also, have just downloaded the upgrade for DPP--the v1.5 version. Anyone with comments on that? I will also do a search on it.

Sorry again if this is inappropriate, but am a newbie on this forum and a female.--Rene

[cmM]

you can find ACR on adobe's website, just search for camera raw.

I don't like either of those very much. In my opinion nothing beats the workflow of capture one.

[eosster]

Sorry again if this is inappropriate, but am a newbie on this forum and a female.--Rene
http://www.pbase.com/halesr
and your point?

[Tom W]

Sorry for going off topic--BUT, I think I need the PS Raw plugin (beta). I am using DPP with my 1dMark2, but my husband needs something to work with his PhotoShop CS and the files he took with my camera. Do I just need to search at the Adobe site?

Also, have just downloaded the upgrade for DPP--the v1.5 version. Anyone with comments on that? I will also do a search on it.

Sorry again if this is inappropriate, but am a newbie on this forum and a female.--Rene
http://www.pbase.com/halesr

Hello and welcome. You'll get a better response to the Photoshop and DPP questions in the "Post Processing and Printing" section of the forum located here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18

[JKD]

Welcome to the boards cricket.

Thats a nice body you bought, I hope to see some of your work soon. Do you have any galleries yet?

[zec6]

Cricket..

If you want to buy more lens.. check out www.onecall.com
If you open up a credit card with them, you'll get 4% off your total if you pay it off..

That's pretty significant considering the prices on the lens..

Hope that helps..

[cricket]

Sorry again if this is inappropriate, but am a newbie on this forum and a female.--Rene
This really surprised me!

I hope you were trying to be funny! I've taken a bit of flack about the fact that I'm female! Someone even mentioned "World Peace." :rolleyes:

Welcome and have fun with your photography!

[JK]

Hmmm... (looks at watch) - yep, it's time to lock this thread!

[Neens_wa]

Hi Neighbor!!! (Bremerton, here)

I'm about to go shopping for my own Mark II in a couple of months, and also some "L" glass. I have the 28-135, and 75-300 both IS lenses. TAKE THEM BACK!!!!!!! SAVE your moolah and put it into good optics. I'm so sorry I didn't do that! <smacking self on head> YOu, btw, have found an amazing place to learn here... I suggest you go to that sticky thread, and begin reading the links for your gear.. there's some amazing info in them!

OK - Lenses... For what you paid, go buy the L, then cut up the cards. ;o) hehehe Seriously, from the homework I've been doing - with that DSLR and those lenses, you're basically using a speedboat to pull an island. Those lenses you bought will perform, true, but they are not capable of focusing at a speed high enough to really be worth your while. Plus, the other kids on the playground will laugh at you with your Prada DSLR and Payless lenses. Just kidding, just kidding... I'm just pointing out the disparity between the DSLR and lenses. Take advantage of the speed at your fingertips - that's why I'm biting my own personal bullet and buying the MARK II - it's the only thing I can find that will serve my need for speed - as well as the "L" glass to go with that body.

Before you amass some serious debt - PLEASE, go 'cross town to Glazer's here in Seattle, and chat with Dion in the digital department. Then rent this glass. You'll see...

Purchasing a 70-200 f/2.8L IS lens is roughly 1500.00 - you can rent it after three p.m. on a Thursday, keep it over the weekend, turn it in BEFORE 10A on Monday, for the low price of 50.00. Yes, FIFTY DOLLARS (you have to secure it with your credit card). PLAY with that lens, then go buy it. ;o)

Glazer's has every piece of "L" glass Canon manufactures, for rent. ;o) and that thurs. afternoon return on Monday is sweeeeeeet! They might be a bit higher than B&H - they're basically the West Coast's B&H - but they're very reliable, and the staff is a) friendly, and b) they really know their biz-ness!

Maybe we should go see Dion together since we're both after the same glass! hahaha

nina

[jaypie77]

What's this? This is the first I've heard of this new member Cricket! Welcome aboard!!!

[halesr]

Hello and welcome. You'll get a better response to the Photoshop and DPP questions in the "Post Processing and Printing" section of the forum located here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18
Thanks for the tip. I will be off there to check out more info.--Rene

[cricket]

Hi Neighbor!!! (Bremerton, here)

I'm about to go shopping for my own Mark II in a couple of months, and also some "L" glass. I have the 28-135, and 75-300 both IS lenses. TAKE THEM BACK!!!!!!!
I returned them almost 2 weeks ago! And Howdy neighbor to you too!

with your Prada DSLR and Payless lenses.
lol!! I like that! Good one!

Before you amass some serious debt
Well, too late! I actually didn't go into debt though! I bought the glass that now appears in my signature...

And I have shopped at Glazers for many years! They are great! I have mostly used their excellent lighting department. Now, that I bought my new glass, I'm looking at a flash. I use studio lights, monolights and continuous tungsten mostly.

I dare say us two at Glazers would be a frightening combination!! :lol:

[dark cobalt]

Can I come w/ when you got to Glazers?
It'd be like a field trip. Hold hands when we cross the street and everything!!
Have fun Cricket ;)

[pradeep1]

I will participate in this historic post by submitting a picture of a peaceful swan to welcome our new member cricket and to also calm everyone.

Have a good day and Thank You for your support.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/image-display?photo_id=2917732&size=lg

[sameerb]

One of the longest thread on this forum
can't miss a chance to put my views

Cricket Welcome to this forum
and start posting results with those excellent equipments :)

your user name is funny
Cricket (One of the most famous sport played in India)


Cheers,
Sam

[cricket]

Can I come w/ when you got to Glazers?
It'd be like a field trip. Hold hands when we cross the street and everything!!
Have fun Cricket ;)
Hey Dark Cobalt!

I know you! You'd STOP traffic!

I want you to pose for me! :-P

[tofuboy]

http://www.glazerscamera.com/ <== that Glaziers?

I've been there a few times... pretty nice store with some pretty good staff.