how noticable is 1/2 pound?

A half of a pound is nothing when you have the 70-200 F/2.8L IS attached.
The lens weighs allot more than the body does.

The Rebel XT see,s like a toy now that I have the 30D.


JD

Yes you're all macho men, but OP says she has health problems that mean she needs a break after a while. Going to the gym isn't the answer here.

Gardengirl - if it's too heavy, then getting lighter gear is the only answer. For your love of flowers, the best trade-off of quality against weight would be the XTi and EF-S 60mm. That would be considerably lighter than the 30D + 100mm macro.

An extra 1/2 pound can become uncomfortable if you are close to your limit. As a quick test, hold an 8 oz. glass of water with your arm extended. That can get pretty heavy in a hurry. While I realize that isn't the way we handle cameras, it demonstrates the point.

Have you considered some of the more flexible support gadgets on the market, like http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_2702_Chestpod_​Magic.html , to take some of the weight off of your arms. I'm sure there are others available.

Hope you find a way to continue your passion the way you want.

Jeff

FWIW, the 60mm f/2.8 macro weighs 336 g (12 oz) and the 18-55 IS weighs 201 g (7 oz).

-js

Madweasel wrote in post #5196928
Yes you're all macho men, but OP says she has health problems that mean she needs a break after a while. Going to the gym isn't the answer here.

Gardengirl - if it's too heavy, then getting lighter gear is the only answer. For your love of flowers, the best trade-off of quality against weight would be the XTi and EF-S 60mm. That would be considerably lighter than the 30D + 100mm macro.

rather than trying to handhold the camera, i'de suggest a tripod (as in my other post) and a comfortable backpack. it will make it easier to setup and carry, as well as making the shooting easier since you don't need to actually hold the weight all the time

Nifty fifty on a Rebel - about as light as it gets...

Weight helps, it gives stability. Perhaps take a rebel series out for a test drive to see what its like.

How about this idea...

There are many types of supports for cameras which will distribute the weight of a camera and allow your shoulder to support the majority of that weight. Many of these supports are advertised for use with video type cameras but they are certainly viable for still cameras also.

Here are some examples of different type camera supports available on eBay. I am sure that perusing through the Adorama or B&H websites will show you more...

http://cgi.ebay.com …ewItem?_trksid=​p1638.m122

http://cgi.ebay.com …ewItem?_trksid=​p1638.m122

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com …ewItem?_trksid=​p1638.m122

Use a monopod. (A) you get a bit of extra stability, and (B )it really stops your hand aching.

I found after a couple of hours with just the 20D and the 90-300 lens, which aren't that heavy, my hand would start to cramp up. The monopod solves the problem.

enuf to have me carrying my xt everywhere (with 24-85 or 35/2) and my 30D only when I'm expecting to take pix...

kitacanon wrote in post #5197859
enuf to have me carrying my xt everywhere (with 24-85 or 35/2) and my 30D only when I'm expecting to take pix...

That's help a bit, I can no way take my 30D everywhere, one of the reasons I was thinking of a P&S.

Madweasel wrote in post #5196928
Yes you're all macho men, but OP says she has health problems that mean she needs a break after a while. Going to the gym isn't the answer here.

Gardengirl - if it's too heavy, then getting lighter gear is the only answer. For your love of flowers, the best trade-off of quality against weight would be the XTi and EF-S 60mm. That would be considerably lighter than the 30D + 100mm macro.

Thank you. Going to the gym to "make me stronger" is not really an option. I go to the gym to make my condition stay the same instead of getting worse.

I am thinking of going the rebel 60 macro route. Right now I have the 100 macro, the 28-105 (nice and light) and the 200. The 200 is getting way too heavy for me and I may just cry but I think it'll have to go. I looked at the 70-200 f/4 zoom and the weight difference isn't enough.

I don't know if I can limit myself to a monopod since I do move around a lot when shooting. I think it may almost be more of a problem then a help.

So far I'm thinking if I go to a rebel and the 60 and keep the 28-105 I may be fine for a bit. I'll miss my longer lens a lot, so I may keep it for a bit just in case and if I can't use it much it's gone. I'm also thinking of getting a p&s for my real bad days. Photography really does me good and I can't ever give it up. It's been my main hobby since I was 4 years old.

Another question, is the XT ok, or should I really spend more on the xti?

gardengirl13 wrote in post #5195515
That's what I worry about. The weight is bothering me (health problems) and I can't bring myself to downgrade to a P&S as my only camera. After 30 minutes of shooting with my 30D and 100 macro I had to rest. It's depressing the crap out of me.

You would have to be superwoman not to feel the weight after this time, it's a long while to hold a camera critically still for macro work. Be careful before you do something you will regret.

gardengirl13 wrote in post #5195485
I'm thinking of downgrading my 30D to one of the rebels due to the weight of the camera. How noticable is the weight for those who have used both?

pfft downgrading? you mean upgrading... haha. Unless you have small hands. you have to get the grip for the rebel. no question about it.

boucher.

gardengirl13 wrote in post #5201375
Another question, is the XT ok, or should I really spend more on the xti?

Personally I would spring the extra for the XTi. You get more focus points, better AF system (like the 30D's), bigger-better LCD, more megapixels, etc. Definitely worth a couple extra bucks to me.