LOL, guess i missed that stuff, maybe the title should be changed. Thanks for the pics though...and what better way to get it re-started with an FD!!!

Here's one i took out of the side mirror of my FD, of my brother's ride.

 

I bought the 17-40 initially because I prefer wide angle photography. That having been said, I am in the process of selling it...I am offering it to my friends for $525 now, in perfect condition with all of the accessories it came with in the original box and all warranty/manual cards. If you are looking for one, that might be an easy way to help you save some money. If I do not sell it to you or one of my friends this week, I am throwing it on eBay next week...so let me know

 

So I just pulled the trigger & got the Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L USM. Should get it sometime this week. This should be a great WA lens for me for the kind of shots I'm doing/will be doing. Can't wait since this will be my first L series lens!

For my next lens...I'm actually considering the Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM as my prime (like Jim) since I think 30mm will be a lot easier to use in close quarters than Canon's 50mm F1.4.

 

My lens comes in today! I can't help constantly checking on my tracking number....LOL.

 

haha. I'm the same way. I don't get excited often except when I get new camera gear.

 

Any suggestions for a cheap tripod that folds up to a fairly small size? It probably won't get used much, just want something to strap to my bag in case I need it.

 

those bikes are tight

 

Dammit...I got me new gear & I haven't gotten around to using them yet . Definitely gotta find some time this weekend

BTW...update on my gear:

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Canon EF 50mm F/1.4 USM Lens w/ Canon ES-71II Lens Hood
Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Kit Lens
Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8 L USM Lens
Canon 430EX EOS Speedlite
Canon RC-1 Wireless Remote Control
Canon Vertical Battery Grip BG-E3
77mm Filter Kit: UV, Cir. Polarized, & FL-D
58mm Filter Kit: UV, Cir. Polarized, & FL-D

I got some other stuff but I don't think anyone cares about the bags, cases, etc...

So...what do you guys think?

Like Juno, I'm also looking for a good tripod & a car rig so any suggestions would be nice. TIA!

 

What brand filter?

As far as the tripod/head set-up, I'm using a Manfrotto 3021 BPRO and Manfrotto 322RC2 head:







I just slapped the camera on for the pics since someone asked me for a quick shot. I didn't use the tripod collar that is supplied with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. Here's a shot with the collar:


The legs can hold up to 13 pounds and the head can hold up to 11 pounds. The legs are rock solid so there's not going to be any camera shake that you'd get from the smaller, flimsier legs. It does weight 6-7 lbs (legs are 5 lbs, head is 1.5 lbs) so it's not lightweight but you'll have to spend $400-500 for carbon fiber legs if you want something that's about 3-4 lbs. I went with the 3021 BPRO since it's capable of macro set ups (as seen above). The legs can also be adjusted to different angles/lengths independent of each other. This is good for landscape/nature shooters that shoot on hills or uneven ground.

I went with the pistol grip setup since it's quicker to make adjustments than a 3-way head. Just squeeze the trigger and you can adjust on the fly to all horizons, rather than making 3 different adjustments.

$150 for the legs, $100 for the head. You can find these for sale on occasion for $100-120 legs (used), $70-80 head (used) on fredmiranda.com or ebay.

 

Damn that's an AWESOME tripod...

 

Wow, that's really cool! A little fancier (and heavier) than I'm looking for right now, but I'll have to keep it in mind for later on.

 

Wow....me likes me likes! (Puts it down on his wish list...)

BTW...obviously this tripod drops pretty low but how high does this sit up at? 5'?

As far as what brand filters...I just bought the deluxe kits by Digital Concepts.

 

Max height 53" w/o the center column, 70% with the center column. I'm only 5'9" but I have problems standing straight up to shoot. Add in the height of the tripod head and this tripod can be around 73-75".

For the filters, ditch the generic brands. You'll degrade the quality of the image using poor filters. I'd suggest picking up a good Tiffen, Hoya, or B+W filter(s). They aren't cheap but they're worth it. The cheaper filters are known for extra flare and degradation of the image quality.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Hello Fellow Z'ers! I have wanted a Digital SLR for quite some time and I now have a perfect excuse to get one. I'm taking a cruise next month and I might bite the bullet and buy one for this upcoming vacation. Anyhow, i've been doing some research on my own but would also like to get your guys' opinions. I am thinking about getting the Canon 30D and either the Canon EF 28-135 MM USM autofocus or the Canon EF-S 17-85 MM USM autofocus lens. You guys have some stunning images on here and I know that your experience is what makes these photos what they are. However, as far as the equipment goes, would you guys recommend this new camera? Which of the two lenses would you guys recommend for my trip/initial use? I plan on getting more lenses in the future but need to make a decision now as to which to start out with. I have a digital point and shoot now but I know I will regret not taking something better on this trip. Anyhow, i'm just looking for some suggestions. I did read through the thread but I didn't see anyone using this camera... Thanks.

Sr. Panza

 

Sr. Panza, nice to see you here! Being that it would be your first DSLR, I'd look into the 20D. You won't know the difference between two pictures taken with the 20D vs 30D when using the same lens. With the price difference, you can get really good glass.

The lens would determine the type of pictures you'll be taking. The 17-85 IS is a good lens walk around lens. Here's a site with many reviews on different lenses.

http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/lenstests

 

If you'll be taking more scenic shots, I'd lean more towards the wide-angle lenses. So with that said & from the two you've selected, I would pick the EF-S 17-85mm IS. I know this lens fits the XT & the 20D since it's an "EF-S" lens but is it confirmed that this fits the 30D as well? Might want to check on that first before buying. Good luck & have a nice trip!

BTW...post some pics when you get back

 

The 30D uses a 1.6x crop sensor so yeah, any EFS will work on it.

 

I'd suggest the 20D instead of the 30D. If you're just getting into it, you're better off saving the few hundred bucks and putting it towards lenses and accessories. B&H link - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

As far as lenses, I'm not a big fan of the 28-135. It's fairly soft, especially around the edges. The 17-85 is a decent all around lens but it's fairly slow at 85mm (f/5.6 iirc). I prefer faster lenses through the whole focal range. I would suggest the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 XR Di which was just released on US soil ~ 1.5 weeks ago. The reviews have been very good so far. ~ $450 USD. Purchase a good UV filter to protect the lens, also. B+W is what I use on my L lenses, Tiffen goes on everything else. In addition to the UV filter, a circular polarizer is worth buying. It's great for the bright, sunny days when there's a car show. It'll help reduce unwanted glare on the windows and smooth out the lighting on the paint. Plus, it'll add some saturation to the skies.

 

Tamron seems pretty good for the price. Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS just reached the US. I'm waiting for the review by fstopjojo/lightrules.