Also, call the guy on craigslist and tell him you'll give him $700 cash for D90 body. They are $850 new so he's dreaming if he thinks someone would give up $50 for new vs. used...and make no mistake, it is USED gear regardless of what he says.

Also, for your $1,200 you could get a D90 and Tamron 28-75/2.8.

Or as someone else pointed out a used Cannon 20D and some good glass to go along.

Don't discount the D5000 b/c it's small. That may be nice to have if you plan to take photo's while flying as it will fit in a small bag with a small zoom lens.

Thanks for the info. I find this absolutely time consuming for some reason. I went to two places to check them out. It basically comes down to the glass as you pointed out and GS stated re: used equipment.

I like the idea of a 20 and just getting nice lenses. I need to let that simmer. I want to purchase my camera by the second week of JUN (Caribbean trip)...so I guess I have enough time.

Just make sure you give yourself some time to familiarize yourself with your camera before the trip. You don't want to miss a good shot because you're fiddling with dials.

One thing to consider with taking a trip is you do NOT want have to carry around two lenses with you. One of them will get lost/stolen and Carribean=beach=sand so the last thing you want to do is swap out lenses on the go. Not to mention have to carry it around everywhere or leave it in the hotel and worry about theft.

I think GS took a trip to Africa a few years back and said all he took was the Tamron 28-75/2.8

Also, don't bring a camera bag. If you have a beach bag/tote, wrap your camera in an old t-shirt and bring it in the tote/bag when you hit the beach. Camera bag = thief magnet.

[This message has been edited by agracer (edited 5/27/2010 10:05a).]

Yeah. I went to Africa for a month and only shot the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 and the Canon 10D. Never took the lens off the camera, to keep both clean.

I almost never use a camera bag. I use a regular black backpack from Target that has a place for a laptop. In the main compartment, I have fit up to: 300mm 2.8, 2 pro bodies, 70-200, 16-35, 2 flashes, pocket wizards. And I dress like a kid might - hollister polo, ball cap and cargo shorts. Don't want to be a target with 10-15k of gear on my back.

quote:

---

I use a regular black backpack from Target that has a place for a laptop. In the main compartment, I have fit up to: 300mm 2.8, 2 pro bodies, 70-200, 16-35, 2 flashes, pocket wizards.

---

What do you use for padding - do you just wrap everything in t-shirts or what?

I will use the velcro inserts from other camera bags to put between lenses.

OK, seriously considering the purchase of a 20D. I found one on BH for less than $300. It has no internal motor, so I'm looking at lenses now, but I know I will want to upgrade as I get proficient with the camera.


Considering limitation, should I buy an EF lens? I'm spending more on the lenses vs body.

* If cost is the main consideration when purchasing a quality lens, then yes certainly think about purchasing an EF-S lens. Personally my favorite all purpose lens is an EF-S 17-85MM f4-5.6 IS USM that I purchased with my camera as an upgrade to the kit lens. I find this particular EF-S lens to be very sharp and high quality. When compared to Canon's L (professional) series, it was very low cost as well. Especially for someone first starting out in SLR photography.

* As explained earlier, if you're planning to upgrade your camera to a more professional body any time in the future, then you may want to stick to buying an EF lens, for compatibility reasons. EF lenses are compatible with all Canon EOS camera bodies. Whereas, EF-S is only compatible with mid range camera's (EOS 20D and Digital Rebel bodies) that support them.

[This message has been edited by Fly Army 97 (edited 5/27/2010 1:08p).]

Get the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. You will have better depth of field, and it lets in FOUR times as much light! Much better lens.

Tamron 28-75 2.8 - $450
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284399-REG/Tamron_AF09C700_28_75mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html#reviews
Canon 20D - Found one on B&H for $250 but it's gone now. Assume there will be another soon or I'll find one.

-Still, when I upgrade to another Canon is there something I need to look for like on the Nikon cameras WRT internal motor/lens motor?
-Why are the longer lenses so much cheaper? I'm looking at those too.

How fast are those lenses?

You can regularly find the 28-75 for 275-350 used.

quote:

---

-Still, when I upgrade to another Canon is there something I need to look for like on the Nikon cameras WRT internal motor/lens motor?

---

Nope. All Canon EF lenses work on all Canon EF bodies. The only thing you have to worry about is lenses that are EF-S won't work on full frame or 1.3x crop cameras like the 5D or 1D. All Canon lenses work on all Canon bodies that retail for less than $2000.

quote:

---

-Why are the longer lenses so much cheaper? I'm looking at those too.

---

Probably because they suck. I don't know what longer lenses you are looking at.

GS - I owe you and some on this board a case of beer when this is over. Thanks for the tips. It is all slowly sinking in.

No problem. Its just camera stuff. You defend our country from terrorists, communists and democrats (kinda sucking on that last one recently, btw - they are everywhere.) Pretty sure I own you the beer.

Quick definitions for lenses:
The aperture is the size of the opening in a lens that lets light in.
The number defining aperture is the ratio of the focal length to the opening size.

So a 50mm F/1.0 lens could also be written 50mm 1:1 lens (what they used to write back in the day.)

Here are full stops. A full stop lets in twice as much light as the following stop.
F/1
1.4
2.0
2.8
4.0
5.6
8
11

So if you get a 2.0 lens like the 135mm 2.0, it is going to let in EIGHT times as much light as a lens that has a 5.6 aperture.

Aperture is one of the three factors that controls DEPTH OF FIELD.

APERTURE (more light=smaller number= shallower DOF)
Focal length (longer focal length=shallower depth of field)
Focus distance = how close you are to a subject.

So you could have a 1200mm F5.6 lens, but if your subject is a mile away, you can get him in focus, but everything else is going to be in focus.

That shallow depth of field is what separates your subject from the background and ultimately makes your pictures stand out and look good. For ariel shots, it isn't that important b/c you won't be close to much. You will be focusing at infinity for most things.

This was shot at 200mm F/2.8 from about 100 feet away.

See how everyone is pretty much in focus?


This was shot at 200mm F/2.8 from about 30 feet away. See how everything is blurry. If I was at F/5.6, the background would look more like the first pic with the annoying chick.



Being able to isolate your subjects like that is what separates a great photo from a regular snapshot. And that's why you buy good lenses.

If you are shooting arial stuff during the day, you may be perfectly suited to using an average cost super zoom like a 18-200. You will be focused at infinity, so you dont have to worry about isolating your subject. I think lenses like that are just like turning your camera into a point and shoot.

If you wanted to spend more money, a Sigma 50-500mm lens might be a better choice, but again, only in the daytime. You can get some incredible zoom with it, and when focused at infinity, you will have decent image quality. I'm not sure you would really be able to tell the difference between a lot of lenses when you are a mile away.

[This message has been edited by Guitarsoup (edited 5/27/2010 2:50p).]

So I found a EOS 20D with EF-S 18-55mm for $311. I figure I can play around with this on my trip to Aruba in a few weeks.

Still going to look into purchasing the Tamron 28-75 2.8. You still recommend that given what I am getting already?

Oh yeah. I would sell that 18-55 as soon as I possibly could. The image quality sucks ass.

OK searching. Right now, not finding very many under $400.

http://columbia.craigslist.org/pho/1763042018.html

Did find this one, but I'm tempted to just ask for $300 and find one online for that amount to prove it to him.

That 28-75 is a Nikon mount, so it won't do you any good, assuming you bought the 20D.

GS, what insert(s) are you using for your bag? I'm going to convert an old Timbuk2 bag into my camera bag, and the Domke inserts look to be made cheaply, considering how much they cost.

Just the foam ones that came from other camera bags. I have a ton.

You can buy the velcro inserts from Pelican.

"That 28-75 is a Nikon mount"

Sunofabich, so lenses can have the same nomenclature but different mounts for Nikon/Canon?

A third party lens maker like Tamron makes their lenses in versions for all the major brands, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, possibly others that I don't know of. So make sure you're getting a lens that will match your body.

I'm looking to buy a Sigma 70-200 in the next week or so and I can't find anyone that has them. Any help is appreciated and I'm in the Houston area but will be in Dallas this coming weekend.

They can be tough to find. Call Camera CoOp, Camera Exchange, Arlington Camera. Check craigslist, keh.com, bphoto.com, adorama, etc.

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum/buy-sell/124406-fs-reduced-canon-5d-sigma-70-200-580exii-lowpro-gear-more.html

This guy is looking to sell a Sigma 70-200, his profile says he's from Tyler.

You might not find them in stores because Sigma is releasing a version with Stabilization soon (was announced a few months back, ought to be in stock within the next couple months).

[This message has been edited by Karrde (edited 6/2/2010 4:06p).]

Thanks. I've tried the Camera Exchange and the Co-Op and they don't know when they'll be getting them.

I've contacted the seller, let's hope it works out. I've got the chance to take a group of students to Jamestown/Williamsburg, Alexandria, Gettysburg, and Philadelphi in a few weeks and I really want to give this lense a shot while there.

Got my 20D in the mail today. Got the camera, kit lens (I'll replace), and two batteries/case, for $311. Bought some memory from newegg.com.

Leaving Friday for Aruba. I'll hopefully find a charger/adapter somewhere and practice on my vacation.

Getting nervous waiting for BH to put up a Tamron for sale at a decent price in time for my trip. May have to do this one: edit...I'll just buy one when I get back.


Waiting to hear back and if he will ship out on Monday via 2 day mail.

[This message has been edited by Fly Army 97 (edited 6/5/2010 9:41p).]

[This message has been edited by Fly Army 97 (edited 6/8/2010 9:13a).]

Any thoughts on what I might be able to get for the Canon T1i kit lens and this 75-300:

link

I just wanted the T1i body and a 50mm 1.8 (to be purchased), but I found a great deal to get both of these lenses and a tiffen filter for $100 more. What's my best bet for selling these things new in the box for top dollar?

anyone have a link to website with tips and tricks for the Cannon G11? Im pretty much a camera newb. I was going to get the panasonic ZS7 but got talked into the G11.

ETA: in a better more readable format than dpreviews forum.

[This message has been edited by texas.aggie.2010 (edited 6/16/2010 12:41a).]

dp

[This message has been edited by texas.aggie.2010 (edited 6/15/2010 3:52p).]

anyone had problems with keh.com? i ordered a 30D last week, and my credit card was charged for it, but i checked my keh account this morning to look at my order status and my order was nowhere to be found. emailed them this morning and havent heard back yet.

Anyone have any good rumor sites? I read somewhere where the 50D is going out of production in favor of a 3D.

All the camera companies a re very tightlipped. You won't hear credible rumor anywhere. Everyone with actual knowledge signs a nda.

I thought the 7d was the intermediate, and the 60 would come out....

Can you tell me what kind of camera was used to take this photo? Thanks.