lol. oops. I meant the t1i. Retails for $699.99 at Amazon.com

khkman22,
I have a S90 (predecessor to the S95) and it is a wonderful little camera. It's small, has tons of controls, shoots raw, good response time, and very good low light performance (for a P&S). Here is a thread with sample images:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=767912

You can find ome for well under $300 now that stores are clearing out inventory for the S95. The main difference is improved video capability on the S95.

I don't know anything about the other two cameras you mentioned, but superzooms virtually always compromise IQ to get the zoom range. Even if the max aperture of the ZS7 is larger than the S95 at a certain focal length, I suspect the S95 will be sharper. The LX5 and S95 seem like better options to me.

Quick question(s) for GS: I'm going to both the A&M Men's basketball game tonight and the football game tomorrow. First all year for me and the first time I've had a dSLR. Would love to try to take some pics at both games. For basketball, I know you often suggest using something like an 85-mm f/1.4 or something like that. I don't have that. My closest options are the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8. I know you like the 85 because of the lower aperture, so are my lens going to be sufficient for indoor lighting? I wouldn't mind trying to get a wide angle shot or two of the arena as well so I could additionally bring my 12-24mm f/4, but that probably performs even worse indoors. My only lens with a really good aperture is a 55mm f/1.4. Should I just bring that or the 28-75 or am I just screwed? Thanks.

For the football game, I just have regular old crappy seats. I really want to get some good shots of the crowd/stadium tomorrow as its going to be an awesome atmosphere. I have the above lenses plus a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. Where I'm sitting, I won't be able to get any action on the field or anything decent at all really. I really want to find a place I can walk to to take some better pics. I assume the best place to get a wide angle shot or panorama of the stadium is from the bleachers area. I am guessing that may be difficult to access without tickets in that area. Does anybody know about this or have alternate suggestions? Even if I can't go to the bleachers and try to shoot the entire stadium, I suppose I could just go to either side and get to approx. the 50-yard line and walk out the entry way and get a quick shot or two of the opposite side? Would it be better to shoot from the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd deck in such a situation? And is there any need to lug the big telephoto out there if I'm not going to be close to the action? Better off just bringing the 28-75 maybe?

Sorry for all the questions, I just really want some great shots tomorrow and could use suggestions. Thanks!

I was also thinking about bringing my SLR to the Nebraska game but was really hesitant to lug lenses around. Given my equipment and novice level, I don't think I'll get any decent shots shooting handheld for a night game. I'm up in the zone too...

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A&M Men's basketball game tonight and the football game tomorrow. First all year for me and the first time I've had a dSLR. Would love to try to take some pics at both games.

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Your lenses won't really let you get too close to the action, unless you are in the front couple rows. I'd just go be a fan, rather than worry about the DSLR. For basketball, I use a 300mm lens for far court and about 50mm for near court. But I am sitting on the court. The Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 would be your best bet for basketball. Use your wide angle shots for the big sweeping shot of the gym or stadium.

I would do a wide shot from the 50 yard line of the second deck.

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I was also thinking about bringing my SLR to the Nebraska game but was really hesitant to lug lenses around. Given my equipment and novice level, I don't think I'll get any decent shots shooting handheld for a night game. I'm up in the zone too...

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Unless you have a 600mm lens or so, probably not. But a big wide shot of the stadium would be nice.

GS, thanks as always. I'm less interested in the basketball shots than the football game, although I have outstanding seats about 2 rows behind the visitors bench. So I may bring the 28-75 alone and do my best for getting some action shots on my side of the court, and then opening up and taking a couple wider angle shots of the arena from some other vantage point.

For Kyle, agreed, I think I may just take the wide-angle lens (or the 28-75) and do the best I can. Last thing I want to do is lug around a bunch of different lenses to the game, plus I do want to enjoy myself.

Thanks!

Sorry to be a complete noob here, but a couple quick questions. I just got a Canon T2i, and can't figure out how to get my shutter speed faster than 1/200. That's as far as it will let me adjust. The only way I've seen it go faster (and it still only went to 1/500) was when I just turned the knob to the little running man. There must be a simple answer, right?

And I too will be bringing the camera to the Nebraska game. I am a total novice (the camera just came today), and I'm not going to be shooting much, and don't expect any great shots or anything, but I will take a few pictures (sitting on the lower level). Can someone give me a basic cheat for what settings I should use, given the fact that it's a night game at Kyle? I have the 18-55mm lens and a 75-300 as well. I just want to be able to get a couple shots of warmups, band, etc... Thanks!

Man, nobody told me they were going to be such arses about bringing in a 28-75mm lens to the basketball game! The first place I went in, the lady made me stand there for 5-10 minutes before she could find a supervisor who told me my lens was too long. Then I left and lingered around, went around to the side and was about to try again but the same supervisor (a massive dude) came walking by so I had to vacate again and try another entrance. Eventually I slipped it through without them seeing it. Seriously, a 28-75 is too long? Gimme a break. Anyway, I think I got some decent shots, but we'll see.

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Man, nobody told me they were going to be such arses about bringing in a 28-75mm lens to the basketball game!

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If you'd asked anyone who's tried to take a camera into Reed before, they would have told you. It's honestly best to take a P&S or just enjoy the game.

RandomAg, did you not see the last few messages on this thread where I was inquiring about what lens to bring to Reed?

I don't get to check the forums very often or I would have addressed it. I'm not familiar with the lengths of the lenses other than the 28-75, so it's possible those would have been easier to get in. Anyway, Kyle's got no restrictions so you'll at least be able to get in easily.

Glad to hear that about Kyle, I've been nervous thinking I'll get there and get turned back. I think I'm going to just bring the same lens again and keep it simple.

Interesting. I took a 135 to the Ferrell center last year for A&M vs Baylor, I don't think anyone even looked at my bag.

I brought my 28-75 in Reed last year for the Kansas game and nobody said a thing...it's probably one of those non-priority less-enforced rules.

I went to a BB game at Reed last year and had my bag with my 40D+grip and a 70-200 2.8 along with a 24-105. The first gate I went to, the woman had to call in a supervisor, who said they cannot allow professional gear in, and I would have to leave it in my vehicle. I was flattered they thought I might be a pro, but a little miffed they turned me away. I didn't want to make a big deal of it, so I walked off toward the parking lot, then turned off to another entrance where the nice lady let me in without hesitation and told me to have a good time at the game. She is a good Ag! It boils down to trying different entrances if you have to, because at Reed some of the gate keepers are a little overzealous with the lens length rule (maybe they have lens envy!). You should also go there prepared to leave at least some of your gear in the car if they deem it to surpass their standards. At Kyle, I have never had a problem getting in with a 300mm f/4.

Filters...required, strongly suggested, or not really needed?

Finally picking up the 15-85 that I've wanted.

GS, random question...do you know if normal people (like me) are ever allowed on to Kyle Field when it is not in use? A friend of mine that went to UT has a picture of her son on the 50 yard line of the UT stadium that she took at 24mm and it's really cool. I was going to go to campus this spring with my kids and take pictures of them around campus landmarks, it's something I've been wanting to do since my son was 2 and I never got around to it. I was just wondering if I had any chance of doing something like that at Kyle.

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Filters...required, strongly suggested, or not really needed?

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That question has been debated hotly for some time in photography circles. There are those that vehemently support using a filter for lens protection, and others that say filters degrade the quality of an image. There probably is some truth to both arguments, but it really boils down to personal preferences.
If you use a filter, you should use at least a fairly high quality multi coated one to cut down on stray reflections that can degrade contrast and sharpness. One argument is why use a lens that costs upwards of $1000 and then slap a $10 filter on the front. I generally have a good quality MC UV/protection filter on my 24-105 general purpose lens, but usually go without one on the others, except for a polarizer in certain circumstances.

Any recommendations for a sling bag for my new Canon t1i? Lowepro is great and I love the 100/102 AW models. Cheapest I have found is the 100 for $45 on Walmart.com or the 102 for $49 on ebay.com.

Should I stick with lowepro or is there a good knock off that is cheaper?

I can't speak for the other brands, but I have a Lowepro 200AW that works great for me, if I only need to carry a couple of lenses.

I have a lowepro sling bag. Works well, but I prefer a regular backpack or roller bag for most uses because they create less wear on the back than a sling.


ON filters:
I have a circular polarizer that I use rarely. Otherwise, it stays in its case. I recommend the B+W CPF.
I have UV filters, but only use them when I am at risk of my lens being dinged. Otherwise, I never use them. I don't want a $10 piece of plastic (or glass) in front of my $1700 lens.

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GS, random question...do you know if normal people (like me) are ever allowed on to Kyle Field when it is not in use?

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You can schedule photoshoots there, but I don't know what channels you need to go through. I've never done it.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/shoulder-camera-bags-and-sling-bags.aspx
I am also a big fan of Think Tank products. I have an Urban Disguise 50 that I use a lot (I can fit a 15" Mac Book Pro, 1 flash, 2 professional bodies and three lenses in there.

The Retrospective is probably my next bag purchase.

GS- I am looking at a canon 60D and first found a package at B&H photo, but after looking around the same combo is several hundred dollars cheaper on amazon.
Is there something I am missing, they both say the say body and lens are included.

any insight is greatly appreciated.

I would have to look at the specific deals. Amazon is pretty safe, but there could be a scammer that temporarily got in there. B&H pretty much sets the price on camera goods.

Thanks GS! I'll call after the first of the year and see if I can figure out who to talk to. Good to know it's possible, though!

I need to get a backpack for my next bag I think...I have a sling bag but with just one body and three lenses it starts to hurt my neck and shoulders. I'm a weakling, though. I'd like to get something that is big enough to hold all of my stuff so I don't have to carry my lame extra duffle bag thing, too.

Amazon is perfectly safe unless it's an item through amazon marketplace, then you have to check the actual seller.

Generally, anything from Amazon itself, or by B&H or Adorama through Amazon, is good.

On the bag talk, I use a Tamrac Express 7 shoulder/messenger bag for small stuff (like going to a small friends + family gathering). It holds a 5D, 3 medium/small lenses, and a flash.

All my gear can pretty much fit into my Lowepro Computrekker for larger events (airshows, and if I'm flying somewhere). Thats two bodies, 5-6 lenses including a 100-400, and a couple flashes.

I don't particularly see the need for a sling bag, but I do typically have my camera on a blackrapid sling strap, so it's always ready to go.

I used to have cheap UV filters on my lenses, but got really bad ghosting on bright stuff in a dark setting. Ruined a few opportunities for me before I traced it down to the filters. I don't use them anymore on anything.

I can't recommend the Think Tank Airport Security enough.

I have the LowePro computrekker, and it is good, but the Airport Security is a whole nother level of great.

It has a built in cable lock. So you can lock the bag to something that isn't moving. The zipper snaps in to itself and locks down.

How I configure it depends on what I am shooting.

For a wedding, I can fit:
2 pro bodies
2 memory card cases (well, could fit a lot more)
6 battery cases (each one fits 8 AA batteries)
16-35mm 2.8L II
24-105 4L IS
70-200mm 2.8L IS
24mm 1.4L
135mm 2.0L
150mm 2.8 Macro
3 flashes
Three Manfrotto Nano light stands
Elinchrom Skyport set (1 transmitter, 3 receivers, connection wires)
2 external hard drives
2 CF card readers (Lexar FW 800)

I wound up getting the S95 from Newegg with their sale. Stretched the budget some, but I feel its abilities will be worth it. Mainly wanted it over the S90 because of the improved video since we take quite a few short clips of the kids. It's for my wife, but I'll enjoy playing with some of the advanced features.

[This message has been edited by khkman22 (edited 11/26/2010 9:00p).]

I don't need a new memory card necessarily, but if I find a good deal on one, I'll probably pick one up. If I am only taking individual snapshots (no continuous sports shooting or anything like might be used on a DSLR) and some short video clips, is the class 4 SD card fast enough, or is there a reason to get a class 6 or 10?

GS said in the original post that Transcends are good for the value. Anyone have any other opinions on them? Any reason I should possibly spend a little extra on a Kingston or SanDisk?

Unless you are shooting something like a 20+ megapixel camera using RAW at 10 fps for 10-20 frame bursts at a time, don't sweat the ultra high speed memory cards. The main advantage they have over the slower cards is the speed they download into your computer when you dump them. For general everyday use, a more standard speed card should do fine.
As it just so happens, I purchased a Transcend CF card a couple of weeks ago, so I hope they are good. It was quite a bit less expensive than the big name cards, but I checked the reviews pretty thoroughly before I bought it, and it should do fine. I have used it some since I got it and no problems so far, but I have not really put it through the wringer yet. They do have a lifetime warranty on them, although if it fails there is no guarantee on any pictures lost. I did get the 400x speed model, since I do occasionally shoot large bursts at 8fps, plus I often shoot several hundred shots in a day in RAW and need fast download speeds at the end of the shoot.

I have a Canon 20D, and I'm about to purchase the Tamron 28-75mm and the Canon 10-22mm ef-s. What else should I get for day-to-day pics and interior room shots? Do I need a strobe?Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

For interior room shots a flash would definitely come in handy. If possible, bouncing the flash off the ceiling or even a nearby wall will improve things a lot. The Canon 430 EXII flash is pretty economical, unless you need a lot more power. I am a big fan of a used 550EX, you can get one for about the same price as a new 430, and is nearly as powerful as the higher priced 580EXII. Plus, it has dedicated controls for Master/Slave use, so no going through menus to switch modes.

It's Christmas time and I'm finally going to get a new lens. I'm going with the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 as recommended. Looking on Amazon, I found a couple variations and am a little confused.

1) Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

2) Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO HSM Large Aperture Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

3) Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital DSLR Camera

The first two are both $799 and I'm guessing the first is the newer one because of the "II" and it has many more reviews.
The third is a good bit more expensive, out of my range, but I'm wondering what the difference is? Also, when I checked the Sigma site, the more expensive 70-200mm didn't actually say APO. Why is that?

Regarding the lens, I know it says "macro" and I know a true macro should be a 1:1 and this is only 1:3.5. Will I still be able to achieve pretty decent macro shots with it? And while we're on the topic, I've heard things about macro like using a tripod, live-view is useful, etc. and I'm curious what the typical setup is? Very narrow aperture, lens at maximum zoom, and a slower shutter speed or what?

[This message has been edited by bq06 (edited 12/5/2010 5:50p).]

The third one has OS which is optical stabilization - similar to Canon's Image Stabilization or Nikon's Vibration Reduction.

I think 2 is an older model. 1 and 3 are current, and are Sigma's alternatives to Canon's ~1200 f/2.8 model, and ~2100 f/2.8 ISII model. The previous Canon f/2.8 IS can still be found around ~1600.

70-200 is probably the focal range with the most available options. It's somewhat overwhelming.