Camera Corner (What Kind of Camera Do You Use, Vol.3)

Congrats Burn! I think we now have a T1i club going! I din't know until Monday when I bought my new lens that they had released the T2i! That was kind of fast for an upgrade!

Geez, its just like computers and processors..every 6mths something better comes out.

Burn, Do you have a teleconverter? I prefer the 1.4x because the autofocus still works on my lens, but the 2x is great for reach if you don't mind manual focus. I think it does autofocus with some lenses. I just don't know which. I have a 400 and with the 1.4 tele, it is a 560. Although, you do lose some light, so I have to bump the ISO up.
Check: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/220456-USA/Canon_6845A004AA_1_4x_EF_Extender_II.html
Tamron makes them for Canon lenses too and they are a lot less expensive. I have their 1.4 and it works great.

Patti

That will probably be my next purchase... the 1.4x teleconverter for Canon.

Turns out my UV lens I bought with my 400mm was causing my focusing problem's, I just happened to take it off and "wa-laa"my shots were much better...will use it to protect the lens until I take pics.

Oh, Burd, I'm so happy to hear that!

Sometimes that's just how it is. Once I smelled some sort of burning when I was braking in my car. I was dreading that I was going to have to replace brakes. Turns out it was just the tail light bulb that had popped out of place and was melting the plastic. whew!

Me too! No one wants a lemon. lol

Just glad you figured out the problem...now we want to see lots of great pics! lol

Margaret suggested I post the brand of the UV filter that caused my problem's. Hoya Manufacturing Co. made in the Phillippines by Tokina Co. LTD, it was listed as 77mm UV-C HMC.

Glad you got the problem figured out Burd...I know how frustrating that must have been for you especially since that 400 is a great lens!

Burd, Hoya have a good reputation. Over the decades (yikes) I've had many Hoya lenses. Mind you, I think they used to be manufactured in Japan. Maybe you should write to Hoya and let them know. If there's a problem with their manufacturing, I'll bet they'd want to know about it. I just checked which UV filters I have on my lenses. Two are made in Japan and one in Germany.

Olympus C5050 point and shoot camera
Canon XSi 450D dslr camera
Canon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 EFS IS lens
Sigma 50-500mm f4.0-6.3 EX APO-DG lens

Thanks Burd_Fotos.

Burd the UV filter have been known to cause focus issues...mostly the low quality ones. I personally don't use any UV filters on my lens as I prefer to use them naked. If protection is your concern consider getting a stand alone personal article insurance policy. I have all my gear insured through St. Farm and it covers everything, except normal wear and tear - drop it and it breaks or damage it you can file a claim. However, if you do go the insurance route do not get a rider policy on your homeowners policy or any other policy - always a stand alone policy, because: 1) any claims go against your homeowners policy and can affect your ability to get renewed or increase coverage cost (reported in your CLUE report which is shared amongst all insurance companies, 2) no deductibles, and 3) it's cheap and better than any extended warranties. Mine is 1.20/$100/year.

Burd something to think about. First for long distant shots try a smaller aperture (f8 or f9... many wildlife photographers use f11 too) as this gives more room for sharpness (or larger depth of field). Also your problem could be from atmospheric conditions too (heat waves and such). Also, if you have not done so, set your camera on Ai servo and leave there...it constantly tracks and focus on any movement of the subject. If in one shot, the slightest movement and focus is off.

Burd here's a thread over on the POTN forum dedicated to the 400 5.6 lens...check it out. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=241053

Take care





This message was edited May 28, 2010 10:10 AM

Thanks Met! You know Ive been working hard on trying to keep my attention on shooting situations and settings on the camera and I have been keeping the aperture higher like you have mentioned and it does make a difference on the farther shots. My UV filter was causing most of my problems and Ive since removed it when shooting. Thanks for the link, I will be reading into this tonight after work.

Thanks again!
Burd

Burd we must've been typing at the same time as I was editing my post. I read further and saw that the UV was the blame.



This message was edited May 28, 2010 10:09 AM

Forgot to tell this thread that I sold my Sigma 150-500mm zoom lens and bought a Canon 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens. It made sense since I never used the lower end of the zoom of the Sigma. And I'd read that a prime lens, always has a sharper image than a zoom reaching to the focal distance of the prime. In other words, the image quality of a 400mm prime is better than that of a 100-400mm zoom, zoomed out to 400mm. That's why I went with the Canon 400 L prime, instead of the Canon 100-400 L zoom

I really like the new lens.

Hack

Mrs Ed, if you get a chance, replace "Sigma 150-500" with "Canon 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens"

BTW, I now have two 40D bodies. One 40D is set up for birding and the other is set up for macro photography.

Hack

You've been bitten badly, haven't you, Hack? I hope you get as much enjoyment out of the 400mm as I have.

So true, Margaret. I really enjoy passing time with my camera.

Hack

Such a true statement for us all. Time absolutely flies when I am outside with my camera whether I am trying to capture my latest bloom or that elusive bird I have been stalking.
Cindy

Mrs_Ed - thanks for editing my camera equipment list.

Hack

Congratulations on your newer lens Hack. I look forward to seeing your pictures!

Thanks ducbucln, I really like my new lens. All the photos on the last few Daily Photos thread were taken with it.

Hack

Thanks for the update Mrs_Ed...Dave

I use a Nikon D60 200mm lens...I am going to take lessons next month and then I will (most likely) add more goodies ;o)

Welcome Al! A little birdie told me! Congrats on the new lens.

Thanks...having fun with it so far. I will eventually post some photos

This is an interesting thread as I am shopping for a new camera now. I've never had a 'real' camera but I have used my best friends Nikon a few times and got a few great photos.

Thats a nice one 2rb!

Thanks! It was fun playing with it. What a sweetie to let me use it! aye?!
Her camera doesn't have the SLR, but still a good one as far as I can tell. I don't know the kind of lens she has, but I liked it when using it. The only thing was that it wouldn't zoom or focus as far as I wanted it to.

I mainly want a decent camera where I can photograph birds, water scenes, butterflies & bugs in the garden and when traveling with the kids racing. I 'know' I want a long lens, but don't know what I need yet. A 300-400mm maybe? My trees are tall so I want to be sure I can capture those above and around me. I don't have thousands to spend, but I can afford a nice camera for a beginner-intermediate. I also want to avoid a tripod if possible. I typically go on longer hikes & walks with two kids and don't think I want to lug that around.

You would need at least up to 400mm for birds. It really depends on your budget but there is a lot of variety out there. Are you looking for an SLR?

Yes ... I think so. I like the idea of the SLR. Do you have one? Does the SLR help you in any way?

The DSLR can be expensive but they are always coming out with newer models so lightly used ones are always available at a significant savings.

The advantages of an SLR are many but the most obvious feature is that when you are looking through the viewfinder you are seeing what your camera sees. Also, an SLR usually affords you more control of things like ISO, aperture shutter speed and white balance, and of course, most SLR's will accept interchangable lenses. The disadvantages are the cost and that the camera is usually big, bulky and sometimes heavy, especially when you have a long lens .Of course, those long lenses can be very costly too.

But I know of people who have gotten some very good shots with point and shoot cameras. I know of one man who uses a three year old Canon S3-IS with a Sony DH1758 teleconverter (1.7x) attached to the front and he consistently gets VERY nice close ups of birds, as long as they are sitting still. The S3 already has a 12x optical zoom so the TC really helps a lot. I'm not sure what max focal length that gives him, but it makes for a nice setup at a reasonable price. That TC can be found for $100, or even less. I just checked and there are lots of them for sale on E-Bay.

This message was edited Sep 9, 2010 1:22 PM

SLR stands for single lens reflex. That means when you are looking through the
viewfinder you are looking through your lens. You will see exactly what the camera will record. Most point and shoot cameras are not set up this way.
I take a lot of bird pictures with a 100-400 canon L series. I can't afford the fixed 400 L lens. Invest in the best lens you can afford. Cameras change pretty quickly but a good lens professional grade lens will serve you well for a long time.

The thing about the DSLRs (for me) is that it's also about the lens. And good long lenses for birds can be pricey. And heavy. Tripods or monopods needed! Like Dave suggests, you really might consider one of the point and shoots with the 12x plus for your lifestyle with the boys.

Be sure to check http://www.dpreview.com/ for good information and reviews.

Edited to add that you may also want one with video. Several of the DSLRs have this option now, and most point and shoots do.





This message was edited Sep 10, 2010 6:03 AM

2rb, there are a lot of SLR cameras out there - and most of them do a great job.

I use a Canon 40D that I got off ebay. I shoot through a Canon 400L prime lens. Don't be surprised if you find that a good lens costs more that the camera body, mine did. i also have a Canon 70-300 lens that I use for birds that are closer to me. But my favorite is the 400 prime.

I liked the 40D so much that I went back on ebay and bought another. Both have been great. I have a 100mm Macro lens attached to my 2nd 40D.

Go to the daily bird watching thread and you'll see lots of great pics taken with a lot of different cameras. Choosing the one for you can be a trying experience. I wavered between Nikon and Canon, but the price was right for the Canon. If I had come across a Nikon at a good price, I'd have bought it.

Hack

Thanks everyone for your help. I never knew this was going to be such a big to-do, but it certainly has been lol
I finally decided on one last night & ordered it. I got the Olympus E620 DSLR with the 40-150mm lens for now. I will shop around for (maybe used or eBay) the 300mm lens. The camera should be here by September 20th and can't wait!! lol I should have express shipped it. lol :D

Congratulations on your new camera. I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said. As with everything these days, it is easy to get frustrated. Just remember, if others take good photos, so can you. Everyone has a learning curve with new equipment. We often look at another person's photos and wonder what their camera settings were. This can be helpful. For that reason, I have attached a link that shows over 3,600 photos, all taken with the Olympus E-620. Many of these photos include the camera settings and the focal length of the lens. If you see a photograph that you find interesting, just click on it and observe the settings at the base of the photo. But, in the end, nothing beats individual practice. Anyway, best wishes with your Olympus E-620.


http://www.pbase.com/cameras/olympus/e_620

My Congratulations also! I know you'll enjoy it. Olympus makes a fine, quality product.

My first digital was an Olympus, back in 1998. A D400. I smile when I think how small the sensor was (1.2MP). From there I went to their 2020Z, with a 2.11 MP sensor. then to the C2500L,which had all the features of an SLR, except it had a fixed lens. It featured a 2.5 MP sensor and was the top of their line at the time. Then they came out with the E10 (3 MP) and then the E20 (4MP) and I owned several of each also. In fact, I still have one of my C2500L models in my camera closet.

About 10 years ago I moved to Canon and am very happy with them but I must have left part of my heart with Olympus because I still go to their users forum on DPReview and lurk when I get time. Some of the same people who were there 10 years ago are still there (and still complaining about the same sorts of things--but still there). That has to say something about customer satisfaction and loyalty because photographers are famous for jumping from one brand to another, whenever a newer model comes out.

Sounds like the E620 has some very nice features. You have my sympathy while you sit and wait for it to get to you. I am the world's worst when it comes to waiting.

This is a great place to learn and share pics, so stick around.

Dave

Well Congrats! You will also likely be frustrated when you start taking pictures and get to know the camera. I recently changed cameras and it has been a very different experience. Read lots, practice lots! Enjoy.