Various nature pics -- opinions wanted

[wintermute76]

New member here. Been mulling a purchase of a Canon 20D to replace my Sony F707 that I took these with.

Here's my folder of my better stuff IMO. Let me know what you all think.
http://www.pbase.com/wintermute76

Anyone suggest a good lens for close up and landscape/weather pics? Not particularly worried about anything longer than say 100mm. As you can probably tell I like the big picture or get really close in :D Be nice if it wouldn't break the bank either, the 20D will chew up enough of my tax return http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/tongue3.gif Or just how bad is the 18-55 that comes with the 20D?

Thanks !

[sparker1]

You have some nice shots from your sony. I just recently switched from Sony MVC CD-1000 to Digital Rebel and have been in learning mode. My travels will start around 4/15, so I'll have a better idea of the quality of landscape shots. However, so far I'm pretty pleased with the 18-55 mm kit lens. Since it is only equivalent to a 28 mm, I would like to go wider. I'm considering the EFS 10-22mm, which reportedly has better quality. I also have the 50mm 1.8 for portraits, and the 75-300mm IS for wildlife, but wish I had gone for the 100-400mm L lens.

[LisaMarie]

Hi Wintermute- IMO a fast super wide zoom would fit the bill as far as your wish for a close up/landscape lens- but that might not be what you want $$ wise. CDS might come along and point you to this thread : http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56752 it might answer some of your concerns as far budget/specs/opinions etc.

I love the “tree” picture in your galleries & the ants made me feel itchy - So I guess that’s a good one too since it evoked a feeling !

LisaMarie

[TammieO]

Wintermute, You are absolutely going to love your new gear. I went from film slr to a Sony F707 to try out digital then moved to dslr. What a difference. The Sony does what it does very well (as proven by your photos), but you'll have so many more options with the dslr.

Only problem is the drain on the pockets. People on this forum are very helpfull...especially when it comes to helping you spend your money. LOL

[wintermute76]

Thanks for the good comments :)

I"ve read thru those 2 lenses FAQs already, I guess my true questions is what is suited to doing what. IIRC the F707 has a 38-190mm 2.0/2.4 equivalent lens. So I think that means I"m going to want at least a 24mm( x1.6=38.2) if not a tad wider right? I"m basically a photo newbie in general.

Thanks for any more opinions I can get as to what I need to look for or try doing different :D

[TammieO]

Any idea on what your budget for lenses will be? Based on the types of pictures in your gallery, you might seriously think of going wider. On the long end, my Sony tended to flatten images. The dslr will give you much more dimension and detail.
Look at some of the other photos posted and if you like them, see what lens they are using. You may find you want more reach.

[wintermute76]

That's the thing. I don't really have a whole lot of free cash for lenses right off teh bat if I get the 20D. Looking at $1350 for teh camera body, say $300 for a decent lens, and then $120 for a CF card. Hate to say it here, but I'm looking at teh N***n http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_redface.gif D70. Body is $760. I don't know. That $600 is a whole lotta difference for 2 more MP and one more ISO either way.

part of me says screw it and go with the Canon, but the D70 sure looks appealing.

[tommykjensen]

part of me says screw it and go with the Canon, but the D70 sure looks appealing.

Then You should consider going for the Canon 350D. Because D70 is really no match to 20D it is more lined up against the 300D which now are replaced by 350D. Don't know what the price will be for 350D but it will probably be around the same or lower as the N* D70.

[wintermute76]

Well, I did it. Got the Canon 20D and Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF to start with.

Should be here around Wednesday, so hopefully some new pics by the end of the week http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif