New to digital - First post

Hi All,

Thought I'd introduce myself. Just signed up on the forum today.

I've been an avid 35mm photographer for for the past 30 years, and have finally made the decision to cross over to digital. I started out on all manual gear (first camera was a Kodak Retina Reflex III). I started using Canon gear in the early 80s, and currently own two F-1s and an A-1. All have been phenomenal workhorses for me, and it wasn't a second thought for me to go Canon for my digital conversion as well.

The last few years have been interesting to say the least, as I have been able to procure MANY quality 35mm components on e-bay as everyone else converted to digital but me. I probably own 20 different "L" series lenses (FD mount). Having done my homework, I know it's pretty much a waste for time to try and use adapters/converters. I'm going digital completely from scratch.

Although I've owned a few "point and shoot" digitals over the past few years, I never used them seriously. A Powershot G3 was the closest thing to a "serious" digital camera I owned until recently.

My "starter" kit is as follows (just purchased them this past week):

EOS-1Ds Mark II (16.7 megapixel)
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens
EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens
Speedlite 580EX Flash

I'm also looking at 2-3 fixed focal lenghth "L" series lenses once the wallet recovers a bit. Also keep in mind that I have a ton of "support" gear (bags, tripods, lighting, etc.) from the 35mm side.

Photography has never been my profession, but has always been a passion. I've been published on numerous occasions (first at age 15), but never had an exhibit.

My photographic interests have bounced around through the years, but are primarily on special effects, scenic, and wildlife these days. I do have an opportunity to start shooting real estate locally for my wife's company, and will probably do some of that in my spare time (to help pay for this conversion).

Well, that's me in a nutshell. I imagine I'll spend more time luking in the beginning here, as digital is quite the leap. I'm a quick study, and a computer geek by trade....so I doubt it will be too long before I have some helpful input for others.

Not a bad setup for starting out...

Will take me years to collect that kind of kit.

Anyway, Welcome from a recent member

Hi Bob and welcome to the forum, Glad to see you have all those years of film behind you because when I seen first cam and seen the 1DS as it I was like geez talk about a major jump LOL. Nice to see a fellow floridian also

Thanks for the welcome. I realize that the gear I'm buying is high end, but I assure you, it wasn't an arbitrary whim. I've been studying and analyzing digital gear for a few years now. I chose not to make the move until I could find the gear that would be comparable to my F-1s with L series lenses on them. This rig will do that. The only challenge now is the radical change in the limitations I had with film. Definitely more creative possibilities now.

Hi and good to have you here!

70-300 is at its weakest in 300mm, if you shoot lots of wildlife 100-400 might prove to be a better choice. Also, 300mm in it is actually 290mm. See http://www.wlcastleman​.com …/reviews/70_300​/index.htm

You choice of camera was wise - no need to seek an upgrade for some time to come.

Welcome, Bob!

When you see what you can do with a RAW file from that camera, you'll wish you had made the switch sooner.

I hope you have some serious computer power and harddrive space to deal with the big files that thing produces. I look forward to seeing some pictures!

Welcome to the forum. It's a great place to get and give information. And of course, spend money... ugh!

I love the 70-300 DO lens.... It's not all that great for wildlife, but it is really good when you want to travel light.

And of course I think you made a wise choice on the 24-70L. It's a great lens on Full Frame. Enjoy that camera, and post some more....

Welcome Bob, nice selection of new equipment. I'm envious! I think you'll find digital a bit too much initially, but after a while it'll just hit you and you'll go "man this is good".

As to lenses - it's hard to recommend primes unless we know what sort of photography you're pursuing. A good combination that's general purpose would be:

85mm f1.8
300mm f4 for longer shots (more on this in a bit)

and although it's not a prime, also the

70-200 f2.8L IS

The above lens would be in preference to the 75-300 in all honesty. Slap a 1.4x TC on it and it's more than equal to the 75-300, with its optical quality far superior if you ask me.

As to the 300mm f4, go for a 2nd version of the non IS lens if you want my personal advice. Optical quality is superior to the IS version, and you'll save a bit of money.

If you're doing street photography, the 135mm f2 L is a nice lens to have.

Dave

I really appreciate all the advice. I was somewhat hesitant to go with the 70-300 in the first place, and you have confirmed that hesitance. Fortunately, my lenses have not arrived yet (will be here Monday). I only have the body, and flash at this point. I've just ordered the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens, and will return the 70-300 when it arrives. The weight is just not that big a concern to me. I've been lugging the F-1 with L series glass on it for 20+ years. There's just no substitute for a good lens. I'll then just add the 300 2.8 and maybe the 400 2.8 later. the 1.4 extender should get me by until I can swing the cost of the longer glass.

Hi Bob,

You and I sound quite a bit alike.

I was passionately into photography as well. Did B/W white work. Developed my own film, prints, etc. etc. I had Canons as well, F-1, two, but not as many Canon "L" lenses as you did.

I too have been thinking of switching to digital for a very long time. I finally made the switch here and as of tomorrow I will be the owner of the Canon 5D. The full frame did it for me. I knew then it was time to "convert."

If you haven't checked out "luminous landscape" web site yet, do it. It is a great resource.

I have been reading up on RAW files tonight...wow...amazin​g. And I love the way "Luminous" explains it...when you shoot in RAW you are basically doing what we did when we shot on film, and got it back to the darkroom, except....tons and tons and tons more options.

Holy cow, you really did take the plunge going for the super high end. Congrats. 5D was the most I could afford, but I'm fired up about it, big time.

I got the 16-35L zoom, the 24-105L zoom with IS and the 100-400L zoom with IS.

Keep us posted on your progress, and let us see your shots somewhere soon.

Thanks for sharing.

You'll both love the freedom that digital provides. I know I'd rather spend time in front of the computer with Photoshop than in the darkroom with smelly, skin damaging chemicals.



Dave