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#82909 - 11/14/07 10:47 PM Replacing the Rebel
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
By now I should have been cited for a 'false start' and penalized 5 yards for talking about, but not replacing my Canon Rebel that I hike with, since it is having "issues." But I have been putting off the purchase of a new camera (body) because of an article I read last winter. In it a photography magazine reporter wrote that the price of amateur DSLRs was to plummet by year's end. The prices have dropped a little, but nothing like the article had implied.

My Rebel is so old that when the XTi replacement comes out as expected at next year's PMA show in January in Vegas, my ancient DSLR will be four generations back -- sort of like a WWI vet at the last week's Veteran's Day observance.

The XTi replacement (that will have the number 450D) will possibly be 12 megapixels, will have a larger (3") LCD versus the current 2.5", possibly have the ability to do video capture, will have the 40D's better image processor, will have a higher ISO and more frames per second, and possilby might switch from the larger CF cards to the smaller SD cards like Nikon uses.

(Reason for the possible card switch was said to be the size and that dust and dirt can clog the pinholes of the CF cards -- a bit more of an issue when using the camera doing something dirty like backpacking. Anyone here -- especially the Southwest hikers -- had that problem? I never have.)

So I've got a dilemma. Wait for the new, improved one and be like "those people" who waited all night outside the store for the iPhone only to watch the price tumble a few months later. Or go with the XTi that will be old hat -- but certainly better'n that old bonnet I been using.

The "given" is that the size of the 450D won't be any bigger -- meaning the weight should be the same, which is what I think is the biggest advantage to BPing with an XTi over the old 35mm's or even my ancient 300D Rebel.

I was pondering this dilemma when I came upon this tongue-in-cheek line in a story about the Nikon "90D" that said:

" I recently scooped the world by revealing the specifications of the Nikon D90, a camera that supersedes a model that is itself not even on the market yet!

The rest of that amusing article is here.

Since I'm not vested in an arsenal of Canon lenses (after trying -- and failing -- to find a friend or coworker who might be dumping their old Canon 35mm Rebel stuff -- i.e. lenses that work in Canon DSLRs ), I might as well investigate all the DSLRs that meet the light BP criteria. There might be something someone feels is 'better' out there. Any recommendations?

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#82910 - 11/15/07 08:24 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Fiddleback Offline
member

Registered: 06/22/04
Posts: 478
Loc: Northern Rockies
Digital cameras are computers with a lens attached. Consequently, the digital camera market is similar to the computer market...continual (often marginal, often major) upgrades and dropping prices (more bang for the buck). The consumer faces similar questions -- should I buy now or wait for the next upgrade/model? What about the announcements at the camera/computer shows in the spring? What about the new chip/sensor due out for the next holiday season? And on and on. There's no hope for folks like us. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I personally am not commiting to the DSLRs because I moved to digital precisely to get away from the weight and bulk of SLR systems. But there's no question the DSLRs produce higher quality images if you have the eye to discern the difference.

It's not a DSLR but, just for grins, check out the Panasonic FZ18. It has a (35mm equivalent) 28-504mm zoom range with an image stabilization feature that allows sharp full zoom pics at shutter speeds as slow as 1/30. It also has a great macro capability. All this and more in a palm-sized camera that weighs 360g. This is one of many online reviews of the FZ18, http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/panasonic_fz18.html He's a respected reviewer and this particular review can be considered more harsh than most. But fair.

FB
_________________________
"...inalienable rights...include the right to a clean and healthful environment..." Montana Constitution

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#82911 - 11/15/07 10:44 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
Costco just lowered their price on the Oly E-410 two-lens kit to $600, plus they toss in a 2G card and some kind of bag.

This is the lightest dslr on the planet, and for the money this deal can't be beat. The "kit" lenses are quite good for the price.

That's what I'd get if weight is the prime concern. I've had the E-510 for half a year and love it.
_________________________
--Rick

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#82912 - 11/23/07 09:25 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
kbennett Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 820
Loc: north carolina
I'm in a similar position re: the Canon 5-D. I'd like to have one, and the current prices have dropped to about $2300, or $3000 with the 24-105/IS lens. That's a thousand dollars cheaper than when it came out 2-3 years ago. But, a new version is right around the corner, and should have some major improvements. OTOH, the current model is great and the new one will be $1000 more expensive. OTOH I need to spend the money before the end of the year to get the tax benefit. OTOH I have a confirmed habit of buying a camera a month before its replacement is announced. Oh well -- I could go on like this forever and never make any pictures.

I'm still using 1-D Mark II bodies at work. They are three generations old, with no budget for replacement. But, they make nice files and still work well.

If your current camera isn't working properly, it needs to be replaced. The current model is a good camera. If it is, and you're getting images that make you happy, hold out for a few months and see what happens. Does that help?

--Ken
_________________________
--Ken B

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#82913 - 11/21/08 05:13 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Trailrunner Offline
member

Registered: 01/05/02
Posts: 1835
Loc: Los Angeles
Bumping an old thread here because I'm in the market for my first DSLR camera body and lens.

My budget for the camera body is $500-$1000 in addition to the best zoom lens I can afford. I'm an Ansel Adams wanna-be so my main focus(pun intended!!!)is on outdoor photography. Based on my research so far I'm leaning toward a Canon due to the variety, quality and availability of lenses and my positive experiences with other Canon cameras.

I'm open to any comments, suggestions, anecdotes or horror stories anyone may have to offer.

Just don't try to talk me out of a DSLR. Never had one and I want to give it a go. I know they're heavy and bulky but that's OK. I have another camera for my light and fast trips.

kevonionia, what did you finally buy? Inquiring minds want to know.........

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#82914 - 11/21/08 08:59 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Trailrunner]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
There aren't really any *bad* cameras so far as image output any more, but I've been hearing a lot of anecdotes about so-so QA/QC of Canon entry-level bodies.

FWIW Pentax has the least expensive weatherproof dslr body, if that's a consideration. Oly still has the smallest body and best kit lenses. Pentax and Oly offer in-body image stabilization. Oly-Pany have the best dust reduction system.I like Nikon's user interface and ergonomics more than the competetion, and they have a very complete lineup, second only to Canon.

Which feels best in your hands? Which would you be happiest taking 25 thousand frames with? At the end of the day, it's a very personal decision.
_________________________
--Rick

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#82915 - 11/24/08 12:03 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Rick_D]
hafdome Offline
member

Registered: 07/15/02
Posts: 395
Loc: Portland, Oregon
I've been happy with my Rebel 350 XT. It is one of the lightest DSLR's on the market, has a bunch of features,and you can get a bargain by getting last years model. I am quite happy with the quality of the sensor. The EFS lenses are made for crop frame bodies and keep the weight and bulk factor down. EFS lenses don't fit any of the full frame bodies. Weather prooffing isn't good but it never rains in your neck of the woods anyway <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

Camera body, 3 lenses (10-22; 18-55; 55-250) filters, extra battery, tripod etc comes up to about six pounds for me.

The lenses will have a big effect on quality of the pictures. Buy the best lenses you can afford and think about any future up-grades in camera body. EF and EF L lenses fit any canon dslr body. EFS lenses cost less, are lighter, and fit only the crop frame bodies. Crop frame and full frame refer to the relative size of the sensor.

The 5D is the smallest full frame Canon DSLR; last years model can be had for a relative bargain, but way out of your price range.

D-preview is a good place to start the research process. Reviews and forums are good.
_________________________
Deeds can't dream what dreams can do. e.e. cummings

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#82916 - 11/26/08 04:21 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: hafdome]
scottyb Offline
member

Registered: 05/28/08
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas Hill Country
I have been using a Fuji S2 Pro since it's release in '02, and shot 35mm for 25 years before that. I purchased the 1st body for $2400 and a couple years later I purchased two more S2 bodies on Ebay for less than $500 each. I purchased the additional bodies because it's the only camera that will work in my proprietary underwater housing. I was extremely pleased with the cameras results when new, and I am still pleased with it on my recent dive trip; 6 years, 12 dive trips, and 300 dives later.

My point is, they all take good photos. The Nikon D300 was considered at the top of the prosumer heap when it was released in '07, until the D700 was announced in '08. That doesn't mean that the D300 is no longer any good, it just means that you can purchase it much cheaper than the new model. My advice is to purchase 1 to 2 year old technology and let the gadget guys pay for the cutting edge stuff.

BTW, here is a bulletin from the Texas Attorney General about a couple internet camera sales you may want to avoid;

ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT PURSUES ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST TWO WEB-BASED ELECTRONICS RETAILERS

Broadway Photo, Starlight Camera & Video cited for deceiving purchasers



AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged two online digital camera and electronics retailers with conducting an unlawful bait-and-switch sales scheme. Today’s enforcement action seeks restitution for Texans who suffered financially because of the defendants’ unlawful conduct.

According to state investigators, Broadway Photo, L.L.C. and Starlight Camera & Video Inc., both of Brooklyn, N.Y., attempted to attract customers by offering the lowest retail prices on price-comparison Web sites. Once customers selected merchandise and made credit card purchases via the defendants’ Web sites, customers were notified that their orders had been processed. Despite the order-processing notice, customers were subsequently asked to call a specified telephone number to confirm their orders.

Media links

Attorney General's lawsuit against Broadway Photo, L.L.C.

Attorney General's lawsuit against Starlight Camera and Video Inc.


However, rather than use the calls to confirm customers orders, the defendants instead initiated aggressive, high-pressure sales pitches promoting over-priced accessories, including memory cards and batteries. The defendants’ telemarketers insisted these upgraded accessories were needed in order for the customers’ confirmed merchandise to function normally.

When customers refused these offers, the defendants told the customers the confirmed merchandise was substandard and lacked warranties. The defendants’ telemarketers encouraged customers to purchase different, more expensive products. If customers refused, the defendants canceled the orders, claiming the products were indefinitely back-ordered. When the defendants actually did ship orders, customers who intended to purchase new merchandise often received used or refurbished products.

The Office of the Attorney General is seeking injunctions halting this conduct and civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
_________________________
Just because you don't take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.... Pericles (430 B.C)

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#82917 - 11/26/08 10:25 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: scottyb]
Trailrunner Offline
member

Registered: 01/05/02
Posts: 1835
Loc: Los Angeles
Quote:



Broadway Photo, Starlight Camera & Video cited for deceiving purchasers


Yep, when I was comparison shopping I found Broadway's prices to be over $100.00 cheaper for the cameras I was looking at. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. So I Googled Broadway Photo and found tons of horror stories.

Thanks to all for the advice.

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#82918 - 11/27/08 05:28 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
chaz Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Tennessee
Quote:
So I've got a dilemma. Wait for the new, improved one and be like "those people" who waited all night outside the store for the iPhone only to watch the price tumble a few months later. Or go with the XTi that will be old hat -- but certainly better'n that old bonnet I been using.


I always wait until a products price line has dropped. Plus there is competition among sellers. I remember when the 4 head VCR came out. They were a $1,000.00. After a time there were many available and I think I paid 200. I was listening to Kim Komando on talk radio and she was saying that the $29.00 laptop is soon to come. Just give it some time and everything will be smaller, better and cheaper and eventually with more features and quality. Two years ago I paid $49.00 for a 1gig flash drive now you can get a 1 gig Mp3 player for under 10 dollars.
_________________________
Enjoy your next trip...

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#82919 - 11/27/08 02:28 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
photohiker Offline
member

Registered: 04/20/02
Posts: 147
Loc: NC Pa.
Well you have a lot of good advice here. The Nikon D40 is lightweight & inexpensive. Look here http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus- it's the eye behing the lens that matters most.

I have Nikon DSLR's up to D2x & D700-love'em. Sometimes take a D200 or 700 backpacking w/1 zoom. However I have a Canon 650IS which is superb for a P&S.

For image quality megapixels are misleading, look at size of sensor if you are serious. DSLR's have much larger sensors than the P&S which means less digital "noise". Also the lack of viewfinder & RAW in P&S is enuf to make ya want to tote a heavier camera. Don't forget the tripod.

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#82920 - 11/30/08 06:16 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: photohiker]
scottyb Offline
member

Registered: 05/28/08
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas Hill Country
Quote:
Well you have a lot of good advice here. The Nikon D40 is lightweight & inexpensive. Look here http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40.htm

Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus- it's the eye behing the lens that matters most.

I have Nikon DSLR's up to D2x & D700-love'em. Sometimes take a D200 or 700 backpacking w/1 zoom. However I have a Canon 650IS which is superb for a P&S.

For image quality megapixels are misleading, look at size of sensor if you are serious. DSLR's have much larger sensors than the P&S which means less digital "noise". Also the lack of viewfinder & RAW in P&S is enuf to make ya want to tote a heavier camera. Don't forget the tripod.


I had the same dilemma looking for a P&S recently. I needed something lightweight that could be made waterproof, without giving up all the DSLR attributes. I ended up with a Canon G9. It shoots RAW or RAW + JPEG, manual exposure, down to ISO 80, and has a viewfinder. After my river trip through GC, I have since taken it to Cozumel with it's underwater housing and have been impressed with it there also. It is certainly not a DSLR, but a pretty close compromise. I have been extremely impressed with it's battery life.


Edited by scottyb (11/30/08 06:22 AM)
_________________________
Just because you don't take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.... Pericles (430 B.C)

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#82921 - 12/02/08 11:43 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Trailrunner]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Trailrunner:

I've had my XSi for about six months now, and love it. It's eons ahead of my old Rebel: SD cards, 12mp, big LCD screen, long battery life.

Here's one of the best deals I've seen, surprisingly at Costco.

(That URL worked when I first posted this, but now there's an error response, try it later.)

So for $750 (plus tax and S&H, less a $17 2G SD card, free), you can get the camera and standard IS lens AND the 75-300mm long Canon telephoto included for $50 less than I paid just for the body and 18-55mm IS lens half a year ago.

Note, though, that in this deal the long telephoto is not IS (image stabilization). I love that wide-angle one I have, and find I can take pix down to 1/15 of a second with it and they are usually still sharp if I hold the camera real steady. I've got that same Canon telephoto lens -- but older -- and am okay with it not being IS.

I take maybe 70 percent (or more) of my pix with the wide lens.

Seeing the above comments about Broadway, that I've been railing about for years here, I just can't see how they can continue to be in business. But then I ask myself the same thing when I see the credit card companies all doin' business in South Dakota. They go where they're comfortable as they do what they do best with a minimum of oversight. I promise you, in five years, someone on this forum will "discover" they've been scammed by Froadway, another Internet lamb led to slaughter.

If you want that long lens to be IS, check out the "package" deals at B&H or Beach or Ritz (where I got my camera) -- they often have some deals and are pretty much worry free.

TR, just don't wait for the next model to come out (now a year gap between models, according to some blogs, not the old 18 months); that should be about May or June. (Cause many of us here don't want to wait that long to see some shots of those great hikes you do.)

Last thing: I was at a Best Buy in Dallas in October and I swear they had the XSi and two lenses, both IS, for well under a grand. You might want to drop by and check it out, 'cause the one I saw was an "in-store" special and not online. And if you get one, get spare batteries here at half the price of Canon's. And yet one more thing: Be very careful of what you're getting. The XS came out a few months ago and is a cheapened XSi -- they dropped the "i" but some places are getting fuzzy about how they present it as a lower mega-pixel cheaper camera. It is NOT the XSi.
_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


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#82922 - 12/02/08 04:45 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
I'm helping my "boss" buy a Canon EOS-1Ds and a set of lenses, including the big $7,000 telephoto. Its been fun shopping for high end stuff. I have to calculate for him how large of safe they need to build into the trunk of his Mercedes, to hold the camera. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

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#82923 - 12/02/08 07:03 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Jimshaw]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Jim:

What'll he use it for? It's gotta weigh a ton -- imagine hiking with it. When I was a high school senior I hiked with a 4X5 view camera, two Schneider lenses, film plates and that vintage black hood all in a metal trunk strapped to a stripped external bp frame. I wandered around Montgomery Woods SNA in California. Only did that once. Ended my attempt at emulating Ansel Adams.
_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


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#82924 - 12/02/08 07:18 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
Don't ever replace the Rebel... were it not for rebels we wouldn't have this wonderful country of ours. We all need a bit of rebeliousness in us... life would surely be no fun if we always followed the rules all the time.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#82925 - 12/02/08 08:10 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: midnightsun03]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Quote:
Don't ever replace the Rebel... were it not for rebels we wouldn't have this wonderful country of ours. We all need a bit of rebeliousness in us... life would surely be no fun if we always followed the rules all the time



. . . but we should replace the rebel flag, in those states still flying it. (Uh-oh, what have I started, MNS?)
_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


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#82926 - 12/03/08 12:12 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
midnightsun03 Offline
member

Registered: 08/06/03
Posts: 2936
Loc: Alaska
LOL Kev... I had a similar thought as I was writing that... Rebel is a double edged sword for sure.

MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.

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#82927 - 12/03/08 09:57 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
Hah! Reminds me of the one and only time I backpacked with my Hasselblad setup. Not only was it an insane idea, I actually had a backpack big enough to take it and all my usual crap. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Quote:
Jim:

What'll he use it for? It's gotta weigh a ton -- imagine hiking with it. When I was a high school senior I hiked with a 4X5 view camera, two Schneider lenses, film plates and that vintage black hood all in a metal trunk strapped to a stripped external bp frame. I wandered around Montgomery Woods SNA in California. Only did that once. Ended my attempt at emulating Ansel Adams.
_________________________
--Rick

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#82928 - 12/04/08 04:28 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Rick_D]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Rick:

Hey, Neil Armstrong hiked on the moon with a Hasselblad -- what are you complaining about!

Wait . . . I think it weighed a lot less up there. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


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#82929 - 12/04/08 04:41 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
Yeah, imagine how far you could fling one up there. Come to think of it, they're all still there.

Collectibles for the next generation!
_________________________
--Rick

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#82930 - 12/04/08 07:39 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Rick
Hey, Neil Armstrong hiked on the moon with a Hasselblad -- what are you complaining about!

Wait . . . I think it weighed a lot less up there."
__________________________________________
1/6th as much, but still as massive. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

When I took photo in college we had Calumet 4x5s. I took one to the beach one day along with all the gear. Geez the tripod weighed more than most peoples packs - full! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Anyway I am putting together a package for him, now it will be the 800mm not the 600. I am thinking of picking up the following lenses for him I think. Any suggestions?
EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM 28 to 300 zoom - pro
EF-S 11-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM 10 to 22mm zoom
EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro "normal "macro
EF 100mm f/2.8 macro USM Tele-macro for flowers and portraiture.
EF 800 f/5.6L IS USM 800mm super tele pro
EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM

I think this will give him the lenses to photograph anything. I am worried about the weight and I have chosen these lenses with the following concept - I carry one camera body, one lense, one roll of film <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I want him to have a perfect lense available should he want light weight, or if he wants to use a big tripod and drive to where ever he wants to shoot.
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

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#82931 - 12/05/08 06:48 AM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Rick_D]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Jim:

Just those first two lenses and that's all I'd ever need. He'll surely need a tripod for that 800mm, or a personal trainer. You've certainly got him covered, but don't forget the Pelican case, or get a Henk to carry the stuff in.

Rick:

Quote:
Come to think of it, they're all still there.


Not according to my grandmother (God rest her soul) and now all those people circulating the DVD that all our moon landings were a hoax. How come those people aren't skeptical of skeptics? Imagine all those scientists & engineers at Mission Control who studied their --- as off so they could pretend they were working on the space project. Or maybe, according to some Conspiracy Theorists, they were just unemployed actors dressed as geeks for TV.
_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


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#82932 - 12/05/08 09:37 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kevonionia]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
kev
Not according to my grandmother (God rest her soul) and now all those people circulating the DVD that all our moon landings were a hoax. How come those people aren't skeptical of skeptics? Imagine all those scientists & engineers at Mission Control who studied their --- as off so they could pretend they were working on the space project. Or maybe, according to some Conspiracy Theorists, they were just unemployed actors dressed as geeks for TV.
____________________________________________

No Really? Yours too! My grandmother believed in a flat Earth. One day I was being an astronaut and she took me to the door and pointed out at the bean field and said "Boy - it always starts that way - Boy looky here ya can look out across there and SEE that the Earth is flat and all that money is goin inta congreemens pocketbooks.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So how many people had grandmas (or are lucky enough to still have grandmas, who told you that the Earth is flat?
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Wow thats a cool suitcase - $22,000 wow.
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

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#82933 - 12/09/08 03:07 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Jimshaw]
kbennett Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 820
Loc: north carolina
Quote:


Anyway I am putting together a package for him, now it will be the 800mm not the 600. I am thinking of picking up the following lenses for him I think. Any suggestions?
EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM 28 to 300 zoom - pro
EF-S 11-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM 10 to 22mm zoom
EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro "normal "macro
EF 100mm f/2.8 macro USM Tele-macro for flowers and portraiture.
EF 800 f/5.6L IS USM 800mm super tele pro
EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM



Jim,

The 800 is a beast.

The 10-22 is only for the APS-size chip cameras (the 40D and 50D and the Rebel.) It will not work on the 1-D and 1-Ds series bodies, nor the 5D series.

Get the 70-200/2.8L with the internal stabilization. MUCH more useful than the 200mm lens.

The 100mm macro is more useful than the 50mm macro.

The 28-300 is, well, it's okay. Not great. Not in the same league as the others.

For the 1Ds-Mark III camera, I would get the following:

24-105mm f/4 L IS
70-200mm f/2.8 L IS (or the f/4 L IS version to save money and weight)
300mm f/4 IS
800mm f/5.6 IS
1.4X converter

The 300 is probably optional if this is for birds/wildlife. Also, I would look carefully at using the 600/4 with the converter instead of the 800/5.6. Potentially more versatile. (I've used the 600, but not the 800.)

Cheers,

Ken
_________________________
--Ken B

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#82934 - 12/09/08 05:52 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: kbennett]
Jimshaw Offline
member

Registered: 10/22/03
Posts: 3983
Loc: Bend, Oregon
Thanks Ken.
I'll look up the specs on these to determine the size of safe he needs built or his car. The job right now is to determine the safe volume of a reasonable set of lenses and camera with cases.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
These are my own opinions based on wisdom earned through many wrong decisions. Your mileage may vary.

Top
#82935 - 12/09/08 09:29 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Jimshaw]
kevonionia Offline
member

Registered: 04/17/06
Posts: 1322
Loc: Dallas, TX
Jim:

Quote:
I'll look up the specs on these to determine the size of the safe he needs built for his car


In Miami, they even see you putting that in the trunk safe and they shoot you and steal the car. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
- kevon

(avatar: raptor, Lake Dillon)


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#82936 - 12/10/08 01:04 PM Re: Replacing the Rebel [Re: Jimshaw]
kbennett Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/03
Posts: 820
Loc: north carolina
I suppose I shouldn't say this, but all my gear just lives in the back of my SUV all the time. I have a cool rolling case that locks, and I occasionally remember to put everything back inside and lock it up, but mostly I need my cameras to be quickly and easily accessible. That said, I work on a college campus and live in a small, safe city. And it's mostly not my gear <grin>. If I had to work in Miami, I would choose a different occupation.

For carrying all that gear, ThinkTank Photo makes cases and backpacks aimed at working photojournalists. They have some cool stuff that I would highly recommend.

www.thinktankphoto.com
_________________________
--Ken B

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