Whirlpool

This thread continues from /forum-replies.cfm?t=1042456&p=57#r1138

I have a Canon 2x Extender II on the way.. If it gets here..

*sigh*

Backorders..

Thanks Johnno
There is not much difference between 400 & 500, or not as much as i thought there would be.
Ill check out the reviews of the sigma 120-400 compared to the 150-500

Fingers crossed, I should have an new UV filter on the way. ;)

I paid for this lens last night, and expect delivery soon.

Minolta 7-210 f4 – Beercan

Canon 50mm f1.8 =)))

beginner lens for me to learn.

can anyone recommend a lens that is good for nightime street color photography? preferably could be done without a tripod.

Just got a Nikon 18-135mm. Nothing too flash or expensive... just wanted a walk-about for home and an all-purpose lens for an upcoming trip to Bali.

CounterPart writes...

can anyone recommend a lens that is good for nightime street color photography? preferably could be done without a tripod.

The 50mm f/1.8 you just bought? ;) Or depending on your shooting style, a 28mm or 35mm prime would make for a good addition as well.

elithrar writes...

The 50mm f/1.8 you just bought?

i love the max appature of the 50mm but cant really fit a whole building or street scene into the frame. would a 28mm e considered a fish-eye lens? and is there a good 35mm with max F1.8? i google some but rely a lot on user knowledge here =)

CounterPart writes...

would a 28mm be considered a fish-eye lens

Negative there. Fish eyes are specialist lenses that are labelled as so.

Your choice is probably a 28 f1.8 or 35 f2 if you want to go that path.

Soroako writes...

Early this year I bought the 50mm but found it restricting as a GP lens so bought the 35mm to complement it. But when I'm out and about I find it a PITA changing lens. I thought about getting a 16-85 but decided today to do what I should have done in the first place.

so what lens did u end up getting to replace it all?
i'm currently in the 'debating between getting some primes or an all-rounder zoom' phase...but i haven't found any zooms that i MUST have – they're either in the right price-range but then criticized in reviews as being soft or slow or crap and the highly recommended ones are usually v.expensive!
btw soroako, i sent u a whim the other night :)

CounterPart writes...

would a 28mm e considered a fish-eye lens?

Nah.

You might get some barrel distortion, but that's not usually intentional LOL

I hear the Sigma 30mm f1.4 can be quite good.

DzRBenson writes...

Minolta 7-210 f4 – Beercan

Where did you end up finding it?

I've been keeping an eye out on Ebay with not much luck.

Just picked up a Nikkor 18-200 VR AF-S, very happy with it. Trouble is, I've also got the 16-85 on order... whoops. :-)

Going to pick up the 50mm f1.4 prime this weekend also.

Tamron SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Aspherical [IF]
http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/1024_diII.asp

J.Clarke writes...

Backorders..

It just came in.

Just in time for a home day this weekend at hockey. The 1sts, 2nds, 3rds and 4ths are all playing at home.

*snap snap* :-)

Just collected a new Canon TSE 45f2.8 to go with my 90 (which is one of absolute favourite/most used lenses). Thank you Mr Rudd for the 50% immediate deduction!

mrgazpacho writes...

You might get some barrel distortion, but that's not usually intentional LOL

I hope you wouldn't get any barrel distortion on a 28mm prime!

*grabs crotch....does a funky Michael Jackson dance*

Just got the Sigma 150mm macro xD

This is my first 'real' lens...my kit lenses don't count :P

Got my filter today. Now I have a weather sealed lens. Really need it these days in Sydney. ;)

fishy writes...

Got my filter today. Now I have a weather sealed lens. Really need it these days in Sydney. ;)

An underwater camera housing might be a better approach!

J.

Funky Chilli,

I did compose and send a reply to your whim but got a timeout error [not sure whether it was a Whirlpool issue or a NextG drop out – probably the latter as NextG has become increasingly unstable in the past 2 weeks!].

With regards to my 35mm and 50mm lenses I will hold onto them for a while. After I have had a chance to become familiar with the 24-70 I'll decide as to whether I hand the 2 primes down to my nieces or otherwise dispose of them.

As I mentioned in my previous posts, both are fine lens. With my undisciplined approach to picture taking I prefer the versatility of a [comparitively] fast zoom with a useful focal range.

cool thanks mate
if u change ur mind i'm ur man :)

Well, I picked up my early (very early) birthday pressie today – Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM. :)

Dave writes...

Well, I picked up my early (very early) birthday pressie today – Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM. :)

Now you've got a lens with a native focal length longer than my longest tele.

This is obviously an outrage.

J.

Johnno writes...

Now you've got a lens with a native focal length longer than my longest tele.

This is obviously an outrage.

True, but it is slower than any of your lenses :P

(mind you, it's a LOT lighter than your 300)

Dave writes...

True, but it is slower than any of your lenses :P

Well, true. :-)

(mind you, it's a LOT lighter than your 300)

Indeed. Easier to carry, too.

I've looked at it once (and from memory you were having a play with someone else's 400/5.6L when we were on the balcony high above Brisbane for brekkie after that Kangaroo Point dawn shoot last June).

From what I've heard, it's very sharp. It might be a challenge at times to get a sharp shot with the speed and lack of IS, but as you know it depends on the light.

Did you consider the 300/4L IS? Coupled with the 1.4x TC, you'd get basically the same speed with a trifle more reach and IS.

J.

Johnno writes...

From what I've heard, it's very sharp. It might be a challenge at times to get a sharp shot with the speed and lack of IS, but as you know it depends on the light.

Tests tonight prove it's very sharp wide open. Headshot from 3.5m away @ 1/200th handheld proved very sharp.

Did you consider the 300/4L IS? Coupled with the 1.4x TC, you'd get basically the same speed with a trifle more reach and IS.

I thought about it, but well I can add the 1.4x TC to the 400 and get 560mm (albeit manual focus). For what I plan to use it for, IS isn't really too much of an issue. I've already successfully taken quite usable shots at 1/40th handheld, so I'm not worried about the lack of IS.

Dave writes...

Tests tonight prove it's very sharp wide open. Headshot from 3.5m away @ 1/200th handheld proved very sharp.

Kara's big head again? :-)

Did you consider the 300/4L IS? Coupled with the 1.4x TC, you'd get basically the same speed with a trifle more reach and IS.

I thought about it, but well I can add the 1.4x TC to the 400 and get 560mm (albeit manual focus).

Aye. The IQ would likely be very similar to what the 300 delivers with the 1.4x TC attached.

For what I plan to use it for, IS isn't really too much of an issue. I've already successfully taken quite usable shots at 1/40th handheld, so I'm not worried about the lack of IS.

If the light's good and you're panning to capture a BIF, you should be right.

If you're birding at dawn or dusk it might be a challenge.

J.

Johnno writes...

Kara's big head again? :-)

Nah, Aleks' big head. (warning – very large image)
1/200th, f/5.6, iso 1600

If you're birding at dawn or dusk it might be a challenge.

Hello, 5DMkII :P Can we say High ISO ?

I got my:

Canon 70-200mm f4 IS USM lens with a Hoya Circular Poloriser Filter today.

My first single lens purchase other than the ones that came with the camera. :)

James Dean! writes...

I got my:

Canon 70-200mm f4 IS USM lens with a Hoya Circular Poloriser Filter today.

Congrats, you should really enjoy that lens. It's a good range regardless of what size sensor you have.

Yeah i had a little play with it today. I haven't used a lens with IS yet so have to get to know it a bit better. So far quite i happy, it out preforms my 75 – 300 which came with my camera.

I'm mainly shooting motor sport with this lens and people in the "industry" recommend the f2.8? version but that was simply out of the budget.

My 100-400 4.5-5.6 L finally arrived today!! :)

Now I just have to wait until I get home to try it out!!

Hi, I have started helping a friend photograph weddings and I like getting along to gigs and taking photo's of the bands. I have been getting by with a kit lens but have decided to buy a decent one. Trouble is I can't work out what all the model numbers etc are. I am after something along the lines of a 35-80 2.8 VR, been looking at Bh photographics in the US and a couple of the local stores but I am not sure how Nikon categorise their lenses. At least with Canon I believe they just call them L series. Do Nikon have the same thing?
Camera is a D80 so it has a focus motor in the body.
Thanks.

Boo1 writes...

I am not sure how Nikon categorise their lenses. At least with Canon I believe they just call them L series. Do Nikon have the same thing?

In the Canon world, L is the designation given to Canon's premium/professional lenses. A lens needs to contain certain optical elements to qualify for the designation.

Nikon doesn't have such a designation, but its f/2.8 zooms, big teles, etc., are in the professional category.

J.

Boo1 writes...

am after something along the lines of a 35-80 2.8 VR, been looking at Bh photographics in the US and a couple of the local stores but I am not sure how Nikon categorise their lenses. At least with Canon I believe they just call them L series. Do Nikon have the same thing?

Nikon does a 35-70mm f/2.8 & a 28-70mm f/2.8 – both are older lenses and are around AUD$1200 second hand (the former a little cheaper).

Note that neither is very wide on a DX body (ie. your D80), so if you're shooting bands indoors you might struggle a little to get everything within shot. Either/or is a good 'general purpose' lens if you want a pro-grade zoom for a bit cheaper (the newer 17-55 DX is $1900) – there's also the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 ($700) too, but auto-focus isn't that crash hot in low light. It likes to hunt – I sold mine for that reason (amongst a few other niggles) and got the 17-55 DX instead.

I'd probably recommend a 35mm f/1.8 DX as a decent low-light performer to complement it. f/2.8 in a dark club usually requires ISO 1600 and shooting RAW to get 'decent' results – still a bit noisy on a D80 but you can typically get away with it if you're publishing online or printing in free street magazines.

In short: if you have the money, get the 17-55mm DX – you won't be disappointed. If you're on a bit more of a budget, go for the 35-70 or 28-70 + a fast prime; and if you're really trying to keep costs low, get the Tamron 17-50 or Sigma 18-50.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 – $540 through CR Kennedy grey import price matching...

Played around for a bit, VERY nice lens, nice bokeh, and it can take picture literally in a dark room :)

next lenses in my list is Canon 50mm f/1.4, and Sigma 10-20mm...

Thanks, Probably going to go for one of these NIKON-AF-S-NIKKOR-24-70MM-F2.8G-ED. Can't find a VR model online but I have read a couple of reviews on this lens and it looks good. Not too keen on non Nikon lenses.

radicool writes...

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 – $540 through CR Kennedy grey import price matching...

I thought CR Kennedy were official importers, not grey import — or did i read this wrong, did u price match them elsewhere?

Boo1 writes...

Can't find a VR model online but I have read a couple of reviews on this lens and it looks good. Not too keen on non Nikon lenses.

There isn't a 24-70 VR ;)

The current 24-70 f/2.8 goes for approx. $2500 right now; it's amazing glass, and if you want that focal length and don't mind losing the wide end that the 17-55 DX alternative provides, then you're set for quite some time.

sachz writes...

I thought CR Kennedy were official importers, not grey import — or did i read this wrong, did u price match them elsewhere?

radicool got CR Kennedy to price match their licensed stuff against a grey import price – bonus!

Unfortunately I am not buying a new lens anytime soon. But I have booked a Canon 24-70mm f2.8 L series lens for an event coming up in just over a week.

Going to be taking photos at a Christian rally. There will be stuff happening outside before the main event and then taking photos of the bands, speaker plus photos of the crowd.

Will be using this lens on my Canon 40D along with my Canon 430EX II flash for times when I need a little bit more light. Should be good fun.

sachz writes...

I thought CR Kennedy were official importers, not grey import — or did i read this wrong, did u price match them elsewhere?

they are, but they have this 'grey import price matching policy' on SIGMA lenses – which means that if you like ANY Sigma lenses, find the cheapest price you can from internet, then send the info to CRK, they will validate to see if it is legitimate (99% will), once they do they will match the price and sell you the lens directly

Boo1 writes...

I am not sure how Nikon categorise their lenses

Nikon don't categorise their lens by name as such like Canon, but generally it is considered lenses with gold rings at the front of the lens are pro lenses.

I just bought this baby w00t!!!!

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographers-marketplace/52513-sale-eu-sigma-ex-2-8-70-200mm-dg-apo.html

can't wait for it to get here...

I bought canon 28-135mm USM f3.5-5.6.

Not a really great lens but it is very practical for travelling. I have the range I wanted. Had thought getting canon 24-105mm L but changed my mind once saw the price.LOL:P

-troy- writes...

I just bought this baby w00t!!!!

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographers-marketplace/52513-sale-eu-sigma-ex-2-8-70-200mm-dg-apo.html

lucky son of a bitch... very nice lens... im currently tossing up between one of these and the DA* 60-250/f4

put in an order today for the tamron 17-50mm. $710 from teds...yeah decent amount more expensive than before the aust dollar dived. but dcw has it for $785

dna4 writes...

I bought canon 28-135mm USM f3.5-5.6.

It is a great range on a FF camera. I have one from my film days.

Really love the f4 on the 24-105 though.

Has anyone tried the new Sigma 24-70 f2.8 HSM ? Everything I have read is just under Nikon but above Canon, for about half the price.

Just bought a Tamron 18-270mm lens for my Canon 400D :)

Gonna give it a good work out during my holiday.

Mr Murano writes...

Tamron 18-270mm lens for my Canon 400D :)

what did u pay for it? im interested in some feedback on this very versatile lens.

I paid $1100 from camera electric in Perth.

You can get it cheaper online but I wanted it now and after I factor in the tax concessions, its cheaper than buying from OS.

Technically not a lens, but I just picked up a Nikon TC-20EII which effectively gives me a shiny new 140-400mm f/5.6 VR when I attach it to my 70-200mm... can't wait for the postie to roll in on his bike!

Finally got around to buying a Sigma 10-20mm for my D60.
Not sure how long it will take to be delivered, hopefully not too long.
Now i have to buy a Circular Polarizer filter – 77mm. Anyone recomend a good one or a good place to buy one?

Cheers
Tristen

Muzza81 writes...

Now i have to buy a Circular Polarizer filter

Why do you have to buy one? I have the same lens and was wondering what a polarizer would do for me. I reckon a Graduated Neutral Density filter would serve much better than a Polarizer, given this lenses love of landscape photography.

Just got a Nikon AF-S DX VR 55-220mm lens to complement my AF-S DX 18-55mm lens, gonna give it a go over the weekend :-)))

Oh yeah, and got a UV filter for it too...

Newbie here, thought I'd give photography a go and get some new toys. Must be because I'm coming to my mid life crisis....LOL!!

wardie writes...

Why do you have to buy one?

They make a big difference when shooting bright skyes, they give more rich colours in the sky etc. And reflections on water etc.
you would be surprised at the results you can get by using a circular polarizer properly.

jimbo jones writes...

Technically not a lens, but I just picked up a Nikon TC-20EII which effectively gives me a shiny new 140-400mm f/5.6 VR when I attach it to my 70-200mm...

Jimbo,

I'm about to recieve a 70-200 and considered ordering a TC17 or TC20 but decided to familiarise myself with the basic lens before trying to expand its' reach.

Given that the 3 converters are priced within a few dollars of each other do you know what advantage the different models have over one another – other than reach? I've tried to research the matter but keep going off in a tangent!

I just picked up a 25+ year old Nikkor 105mm f/2.5... Hope the results are as good as its wraps.

Muzza81 writes...

They make a big difference when shooting bright skyes, they give more rich colours in the sky etc.

I use both on mine with a Cokin filter holder. Gotta be careful of vignetting on the 10-20 though especially at 10mm.

You'll love the lens though, it's awesome. Just watch out for your toes in the bottom of the frame when you take a shot lol

masuta writes...

My 100-400 4.5-5.6 L finally arrived today!! :)

Now I just have to wait until I get home to try it out!!

Hmm, I bought mine back in January from Diamonds in S.A. for $2,100

Brilliant lens and well worth it.
I went into the store to buy a 50mm f1.4 Lens but they were out of stock. Being just after Christmas and all. I told the salesman that THE Ultimate lens I wanted after doing my research was the Canon 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens that I saw in the box behind the counter. He told me that everything was going up by 30% shortly, which would have bumped the price upto $2,730.
Needless to say I got some finance organised and picked up the lens the following day after puting a $400 deposit on it to HOLD it because it was THE last one in the store at that price.

Once I got it home and out onto a few field trips. My response was "YEAH Bloody Awesome lens"

I was in Central Park a couple of days ago, trying to capture squirrels in the shadows and my Canon 17-85 was having trouble acquiring focus at f4 (max).

Walked into B&H Photo Video the next day and picked up a 17-55 f2.8 for USD1040... will see the damage on the credit card statement when I get home...

$2129 here. I am findly it very difficult to justify buying locally.

I got my Sigma 10-20 today.
First impressions is that this thing is heavy!!! Im hoping there is some pretty good glass inside this thing.
And 10mm is so wide, its crazy.

Muzza81 writes...

I got my Sigma 10-20 today.

Enjoy it – it's one of the genuinely great value lenses. Just remember to try and keep the face of the lens vertical – if you tilt it you get a lot more distortion, which is not always a bad thing – sky shots come to mind.

Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f1.8.

The dof is so crazy on this thing. Previous lens was just the stock 18-55, non VR.

I don't like having no zoom though... : (

ph0t0n writes...

Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f1.8.

The dof is so crazy on this thing. Previous lens was just the stock 18-55, non VR.

I don't like having no zoom though... : (

Great lens, great value. Im still working out exactly how to use mine, but its so sharp.
Your right, DOF is crazy, see My DOF Test

Here is my shot from my new Sigma 10-20mm.
Shepparton Park
Might have overdone the processing, but i think im going to have some fun with this lens.
Still cant get over how wide it is...

Was just notified that my 17-40mm 4L USM has been shipped =D

Can't wait to try it out with a trip to the city!

Next lens on my list is the 70-200mm 4L IS USM but that's for another time.. probably my next birthday :( haha

Not exactly a lens, but I did manage to scoop up a Hoya HD Protector (clear) filter off eBay for $71, which was a steal. I don't usually run with filters on my general purpose lens, since the Nikkor 17-55 has a huge hood and great color rendition on its' own – but I wanted a little extra assurance when I'm down on a beach or when it's raining. I didn't want a UV filter as I was specifically staying away from 'tinting' my images.

I'm still a fan of keeping expensive glass naked where possible though ;)

Muzza81 writes...

see My DOF Test

ooo, nice

My friend recently bought a 10-22 for her canon. Your head just explodes in size when taking portraits. haha.

Boo1 writes...

$2129 here. I am findly it very difficult to justify buying locally.

That's why I bit the bullet and bought all my lenses in Beijing at US prices. I bought the 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 15mm fisheye, a general purpose 28-105 f/4 (all with B+W UV filters except for the fisheye of course) and a 580EXII flash all for the same cost as the 70-200 2.8 IS here in Oz.

Granted, the warranty is not international but the amount of money saved has been phenomenal and I don't expect myself having to spend it again to get anything fixed. Anything can happen but I feel that lenses are ever so reliable if they're well looked after.

Im still trying to hunt around for the cheapest Sigma 150-500mm.
I have found this one on Ebay, but its so much cheaper than anyone else
ebay sigma 150-500mm
any thoughts?

Bought a Canon 70-300mm IS, USM today :)
Hoping to test it out this weekend!

Ordered myself a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX II HSM MACRO today from CR Kennedy who happily price matched a grey import shop on it....

Looking forward to getting my hands on it next week, and then taking '000s of shots all weekend!

just bought a 17-55 f2.8 and a 60mm f2.8 from B&H, came to about $1400, but customs slugged me $240. Still cheaper than buying locally. Should be here monday at the latest

amg writes...

just bought a 17-55 f2.8 and a 60mm f2.8 from B&H, came to about $1400, but customs slugged me $240

Pitty you didn't split the delivery. Prob. would have saved a bit more. ;)

mrgazpacho writes...

was in Central Park a couple of days ago, trying to capture squirrels in the shadows and my Canon 17-85 was having trouble acquiring focus at f4 (max).

Walked into B&H Photo Video the next day and picked up a 17-55 f2.8 for USD1040... will see the damage on the credit card statement when I get home...

Its funny, I was also in New York on the upper west side in may and did the exact same thing! the staff there were extremely helpful, except the dollar was a bit lower for me (however rebates were on!), so from memory it was about $1400ish. Its an amazing lens, I just wish I had more time to use it

Got the Canon 50mm f1.4. Really happy with so far. Very sharp images.

fishy writes...

Pitty you didn't split the delivery. Prob. would have saved a bit more. ;)

yeah, tell me about it......another $60 would have saved me the customs duties. I took a gamble that didnt pay off

iceborg writes...

Ordered myself a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX II HSM MACRO today from CR Kennedy who happily price matched a grey import shop on it....

What was the process after ringing CR Kennedy.
I rang them today to get a price match, and now im just waiting for them to get back to me

A few months ago, a Pentax 50-300mm f4 for my Pentax K10. Very good value...$680 and it's sharp as a tack.

Muzza81 writes...

What was the process after ringing CR Kennedy.
I rang them today to get a price match, and now im just waiting for them to get back to me

I did the same thing and they called me back about an hour later saying they would match the price from an online shop I gave them.

iceborg writes...

I did the same thing and they called me back about an hour later saying they would match the price from an online shop I gave them.

Hmmm, not sure whats going on then.
I rang yesterday, then emailed the details, and they still have not rang me back.
I hope they dont forget about me

Muzza81 writes...

Hmmm, not sure whats going on then.
I rang yesterday, then emailed the details, and they still have not rang me back.
I hope they dont forget about me

Can I ask what online shop are you trying to pricematch with and what shop do you want to collect in?

I'm looking at the Sigma 10-20 on Nikon and thinking of giving CRK a call – just got to wait another couple of weeks so that I can claim back GST when going abroad a month later.

Mr Monkey writes...

Can I ask what online shop are you trying to pricematch with
www.electronicshop.com.au – looking to get the Sigma 150-500mm for $1084.

Mr Monkey writes...

what shop do you want to collect in

My Local Camera house store. Current price is $2000... thats why i think they are taking a while to get back to me

I'm looking at the Sigma 10-20 on Nikon

I got this the other day from Ebay for about $600 (i can provide the link if you want. Great lens so far. I thought about getting it price matched, but i ended up getting it from the US, and it was cheaper than any grey import store i could find in AUstralia.

Muzza81 writes...

www.electronicshop.com.au – looking to get the Sigma 150-500mm for $1084.

Mr Monkey writes...

My Local Camera house store. Current price is $2000... thats why i think they are taking a while to get back to me

I can understand their reluctance with that one!

I'd rather get the lens in Aus with a local warranty and as I go abroad fairly often, I can get the GST back easily so will wait that out.

Will let you know how it goes.

Good luck with your purchase – will be a good one if you can pull it off!

Cheers, Kevin

Mr Monkey writes...

I'd rather get the lens in Aus with a local warranty and as I go abroad fairly often, I can get the GST back easily so will wait that out.

you're contradicting yourself.

get a grey model in australia, collect ur GST as u go abroad and be happy!

i recently spent 6 months abroad where my canon had a failure. no australian warranty was going to fix that while i was abroad, and i was fortunately able to fix it rapidly (and CHEAPER!!) than had i done it back in australia. and i got my camera operational again whilst i was overseas, which is where i need it --- i got to take great photos from mid-way thru to the end of my trip, bonus.

i think people put too much emphasis on australian warranties, especially if they say they travel abroad a lot.

sachz writes...

i recently spent 6 months abroad where my canon had a failure. no australian warranty was going to fix that while i was abroad, and i was fortunately able to fix it rapidly (and CHEAPER!!) than had i done it back in australia.

Which camera, what happened and how much did the repair cost? I'm just curious more than anything else. Considering how well I've done with my now 4 year old 20D, I'm thinking of buying the 5D2 when I'm in Canada later this year.

Curiosity- am looking at lens on ebay (used) described as approx 400 shots taken but in excellent nick, is there anything should ask seller if buying second hand lens? (Sony Zeiss 135mm F1.8)
Edit: wrong thread will start afresh

Mr Monkey writes...

I'd rather get the lens in Aus with a local warranty and as I go abroad fairly often, I can get the GST back easily so will wait that out.

sachz writes...

you're contradicting yourself.

There is no contradiction in what I said – I expressed a preference for purchasing locally and thus having a local warranty.

When I go abroad it is usually to Timor Leste or similar places for periods of about a month at a time wherein there is no option for camera repairs. I am contented to pay a little extra for having the security of a warranty in the rare event of something going wrong.

It's like any insurance: pay for something that you hope will you will never need.

Mr Monkey writes...

I am contented to pay a little extra for having the security of a warranty in the rare event of something going wrong.

I agree with you too as long as it's reasonable and proportional. But the temptation for me was too hard to ignore considering for the cost of a single Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS lens here, I bought it along with a couple other lenses and a speedlight in China with a domestic Chinese warranty instead.

Granted, there's no way I'm going to fork out for a warranty claim in shipping back to China (nor do I trust the Chinese all that much anyway, quite frankly) but in my view, I've taken a chance and saved money in doing so. If I were to pay for a repair, it will balance me out, I figure.

It's all horses for courses at the end of the day. I don't see any contradiction.

Just bought a Canon 17–55 mm F2.8. Amazing lens! Nice buttery smooth backgrounds when shooting wide open. Bought it from camerasdirect for $1568. They just dropped the price again (typical) to $1478. S

Just today received my order from DCW of the Tamron 18-250mm I've been wanting for months. Should have bought it instead of the 70-300 but I was cost cutting then, and its cost me now... a LOT more.

Took it out today and managed to get a few shots before it started raining again. So far, IQ seems pretty good, not too much distortion, and its sharp as... *happy*

I bought myself a Sigma APO EX DG 50-500mm Lens (aka BigMa) for my Pentax K10D.
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3307&navigator=3

Can't wait to pick it up next week. I'm currently 1500km away at work :(

CrazyNuts writes...

Sigma APO EX DG 50-500mm Lens (aka BigMa)

*JEALOUS*!!

Just receive my lenses the other day from UPS for my K-7 I picked up yesterday.
DA*16-50mm F/2.8 Adorama
DA* 55mm F/1.4 Adorama
DA* 60-250mm F/4 BH Photo

I tried CRK for price match, only the 55mm was close.
Could not come close to the other 2.
I split the adorama order to avoid import duty tax.

Cheers

amg writes...

another $60 would have saved me the customs duties. I took a gamble that didnt pay off

Apologies for the dumb question but why did you have to pay customs duty? I thought there's no duty in Oz on cameras? Can you pls clarify your import costs for me, thanks...

Reason I ask is that I am looking to get some gear from B&H – paying with euros while the $US is comparatively weak – but of course am trying to avoid any unnecessary charges.

Re warranties: if you buy from B&H they can arrange for up to 3 years' warranty with an affiliated outfit that even pays for shipping both ways, if something goes wrong. I'd probably be better off to pay for the warranty separately, so it doesn't inflate the camera/lens value LOL.

(And things apparently _do_ go wrong even for Canon U.S.-sourced gear: I read reviews of the 24-105 (?) L IS USM 1.2 lens where the first two reviewers said their lens had 'back focussing' trouble and had to go back to Canon for repair respectively exchange...)

Cheers,

LMH

carioca writes...

Apologies for the dumb question but why did you have to pay customs duty? I thought there's no duty in Oz on cameras? Can you pls clarify your import costs for me, thanks...

Genraly if an item is greater than AUS$1000 after your curreny conversion it may attract an import duty tax, on item cost only, not postal cost.
Sometime your lucky and get away with it.
5% import duty tax
Inspection fees ect
Then 10% GST on all the above.

It's BS how they charge you GST on your imprt duty, seems like tax on tax.
They slugged me AUS$225 for the DA*60-250, not complaining though, it saved me a bundle.

Adorama have no problems in you returning a defective lens at your expence,
if you do this to offen the advantage of purchasing overseas looses it's advantage.

Cheers

Delboy writes...

It's BS how they charge you GST on your imprt duty, seems like tax on tax.

They do it to us with petrol. Why not for imports as well...

Thank you very much for the detailed answer, Delboy! Yes indeed, GST can be a tax on tax – what will they think of next to dig themselves out of the GFC hole of debt?

Cheers,

LMH

My Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED arrived today from B&H, ordered it last Wednesday.

Rodney9 writes...

My Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED arrived today from B&H, ordered it last Wednesday.

Now thats what I call efficiency. Did you get any special kind of premium postage or was that their regular post/courier.

Picked up a Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 here in Kuala Lumpur; very nice lens, and of course I was able to test it in store before purchasing. A couple of the local retail staff here tried to persuade me into getting the Tokina 11-16, but the focus was a bit 'ratchety' and I didn't like the build as much. f/2.8 in a UWA isn't as necessary either.

Just need to get a tripod so I can do some seascapes with it now!

W00t w00t,

Canon EF-S 10-22mm USM Wide Angle lens picked up on the weekend for architectural and other work. Stuck to a 450D.

First few shots I took on the weekend:

http://img269.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=04copycopy.jpg

these are generally poorish quality with the desaturated look – the raw images I captured as opposed to these first tries of mine with gated HDR are much more impressive... but I haven't uploaded them yet.

Now I have to get a 50mm f/1.4 and I've pretty much got all the lenses I want. – onto speedlites! haha

elithrar writes...

A couple of the local retail staff here tried to persuade me into getting the Tokina 11-16, but the focus was a bit 'ratchety' and I didn't like the build as much.

Bizarre, I had the opposite view. I went for the Tokina because the build quality was just sooo much better, and the autofocus was dead on. On top of that, the IQ is superb. And the fast lens has helped me a lot, especially dusk shots. That's just my 2c though.

I've just purchased the Sigma 10-20 for Nikon – lovely item – has about doubled the weight of my lens collection :)

Mr Monkey writes...

I've just purchased the Sigma 10-20 for Nikon – lovely item – has about doubled the weight of my lens collection :)

top lens. you will love it :-)

Mr Monkey writes...

I've just purchased the Sigma 10-20 for Nikon – lovely item – has about doubled the weight of my lens collection :)

Good work. Did you get buy new or 2nd hand?
It is heavy isnt it. I couldnt believe it when i first picked it up.

I have ordered a sigma 150-500mm from DWI. But just found out that its on back order for a few weeks. Cancelled that order, and bought from US store on ebay.
Ended up getting it cheaper too!

Muzza81 writes...

Did you get buy new or 2nd hand?

Second hand – but truly mint condition. $500 including a UV filter (despite me saying that I'd never bother with one).

EDIT: I could have bought one for about $650 then claimed back GST but when I saw this one I was impressed with the condition; saved a few dollars this way.

It is heavy isnt it. I couldnt believe it when i first picked it up.

Sure is; I remember looking at one in JB Hi-Fi and wondering what was in the box... a substantial lens.

a sigma 150-500mm from DWI

That must cost a bit – what's it for? Sport? Wildlife?

Mr Monkey writes...

That must cost a bit – what's it for? Sport? Wildlife?

RRP at local shop is $2k.
Ended up getting it for $1186.
Mostly for sport. Footy, V8's etc.
That "should" be the last lens i get for a long time.

I have got every length covered from 10mm – 500mm. Sounds weird, but i like shooting Landscapes and sport, so i will use a lot of different lengths.

The next lot of purchases will be for quality (eg 70-200 f/2.8), but thats a long term project, ill let the savings catch up for a while :)

Muzza81 writes...

That "should" be the last lens i get for a long time.

That's what I'm thinking now... but tomorrow's another day.

I'm not into photographing sport so will not be tempted in that direction.

My next wish is for a SB-600 or similar.

I've had a look at your photostream and you keep the D60 busy to great effect! Inspires me to keep with it.

Mr Monkey writes...

My next wish is for a SB-600 or similar.

I had one of those ordered with my original lens before i cancelled the order.
I will now try and track another cheap one dow ($350 inc postage is the best price so far)

I've had a look at your photostream and you keep the D60 busy to great effect! Inspires me to keep with it.

Thanks, i try my best :)
I have not taken much lately (way to cold to get out of bed at 5am)
Keep with it for sure. Just keep trying to find subjets that keep the interest up.

Muzza81 writes...

It is heavy isnt it. I couldnt believe it when i first picked it up.

It's not that bad – 470g is pretty lightweight for what is a really good piece of glass. It pretty much goes up from there for most mid-range zooms and telephoto zooms.

What I do like about the Sigma is the size and the build; found it easy to stash in my bag alongside the rest of my gear with a bit of re-organising.

Got a Canon EF 50mm f1.8 ii over the past week.

Cheap. And hopefully will be able to take some nice photos.

I had a wonderful time taking pictures from a boat docking pier last Saturday.

Armed with just a Fx body and a 20mm f2.8 around my neck, waited till the sunlight became golden before shooting.

Shot many pictures of the boats, water, and having a stack of custom made desktop background pictures for my friends as a result of this outing.

elithrar writes...

Picked up a Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 here in Kuala Lumpur; very nice lens, and of course I was able to test it in store before purchasing. A couple of the local retail staff here tried to persuade me into getting the Tokina 11-16,

How much was the Tokina 11-16mm out of curiousity?

Delphi writes...

How much was the Tokina 11-16mm out of curiousity?

About AUD$690 with a bit of haggling and if you pay cash (roughly RM2000 when I was looking at it).

elithrar writes...

here in Kuala Lumpur

Have you been in the Duty Free at the airport? I'll be there in early September en-route to London and wonder if there are any deals to be had?

Cheers, Kevin

Mr Monkey writes...

Have you been in the Duty Free at the airport? I'll be there in early September en-route to London and wonder if there are any deals to be had?

From my brief look at D300's and Nikkor lenses it wasn't any cheaper to buy in Duty Free. Cameras & lenses aren't markedly cheaper overseas – you can save about 10-15% at best.

My 17-55 was about $300 cheaper in Perth than it is here in KL.

elithrar writes...

Cameras & lenses aren't markedly cheaper overseas

That's about my experience... I keep an eye on UK prices for a D300 and seems to keep close to Aus prices.

I wasn't sure about duty free prices; when I was in Manila duty free recently there was almost nothing there and London Heathrow was over priced.

I've also been looking at Singapore prices and can't find any good deals – seems much the same as local prices.

Just received my Tamron 90mm macro. I've tried the close up filters and extension tubes, but they never really worked well, so last week I decided to do things properly and get a dedicated macro lens. I'm looking forward to playing with it this weekend.

Frank writes...

Just received my Tamron 90mm macro. I've tried the close up filters and extension tubes, but they never really worked well, so last week I decided to do things properly and get a dedicated macro lens. I'm looking forward to playing with it this weekend.

Love to hear how it goes... I've just bought a Tamron 18-250 but want to add some really decent lenses... The 90mm was on my list of possibles...

Not really a lens, but it does go hand-in-hand with the Sigma 10-20 I bought earlier in the week: have just ordered a Benro M-258 tripod and KS-0 ball-head. Both are rated to 8KG and weigh 2100 grams combined.

Was $374 inc. shipping. Next on the list is a Cokin P-series filter set (holder, ND grads, blue ND grads, strong ND's).

Mr Monkey writes...

That's about my experience... I keep an eye on UK prices for a D300 and seems to keep close to Aus prices.

If you buy here duty free on something like a D300 it's usually the best of both worlds; you would save about $240 at today's prices and have a local warranty. Can't really beat that.

My new Sigma 150-500mm just arrived.
Im gonna need some bigger arms to use this thing properly.
500mm is awesome!
I have not had a chance to really test it out yet, but so far so good.

Got myself Tokina ATX-116Pro, hmm... wideangle...lovin' it...

elithrar writes...

About AUD$690 with a bit of haggling and if you pay cash (roughly RM2000 when I was looking at it).

!!!
I would buy that on the spot! :(

I was in Singapore in May and was quoted ~$1100 SGD (which is ~$950 AUD)....With a bit of haggling I could probably reduce it another 10% if I'm lucky but that would still be $850+ AUD

$690 is a steal imo.....do you remember which shop/area that quoted that price?

not a lens but related.. i finally bought a camera carry bag, with a laptop compartment (does that mean i can claim 50% of it on tax, as I work in the IT industry, not the photography industry) :-)

I've purchased a new...flash.

I don't really like using flash at all, and prefer to work with available light. However, I've run into a number of situations recently where the use of a strobe has become unavoidable, and I've found that the onboard flash doesn't really cut the mustard – especially when the lens hood (and the lens itself when fully extended) casts a shadow on the light emitted by the strobe.

Therefore, I bought a Canon Speedlite 270EX, which gives me enough height above the lens to clear the lens hood, more grunt than the onboard unit and the ability to bounce the flash if desired.

No, it's not nearly as sophisticated as it's bigger brethren, but I don't use flash that much so the "baby Speedlite" suits me just fine. I fired off a couple of test shots, and I must say that I'm quite impressed.

Recently I've picked up a Pentax 18-250mm (came with my K20D, second hand)... it's not bad, but the only downside is that it creeps with gravity when vertical-ish.

Also picked up an oldschool Ricoh 28mm f/2.8 from ebay – not too bad, but I'd like to spend more time playing with it.

Picked myself up a mint nikon 17-55mm f/2.8...arriving today...hope its worth it!

elithrar writes...

Cameras & lenses aren't markedly cheaper overseas – you can save about 10-15% at best.

That's not entirely correct. It depends where you go as long as you don't buy at the airports, of course. Take for example my shopping spree in Beijing back in July '08. I bought the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 15mm fisheye, 28-105 f/4 and the 580exII all for the same cost as the 70-200 f/2.8 IS alone in Sydney, taking into account the prices and exchange rate at the time. Mind you, it took a little haggling but I got them down to US pricing, which is always cheaper from what I've seen.

Can't wait to get to Canada later this year for a 5D2 body!

An Ebay buy, a little walk around lens, the SMC Takumar 1000mm f8 in M 42 mount.

Picked up the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 today. Can't wait to have a good go at it on the weekend.

JGT writes...

Picked up the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 today. Can't wait to have a good go at it on the weekend.

Great lens. Easily the sharpest lens i own.
you can get some great DOF with it, enjoy!

tigercity writes...

Picked myself up a mint nikon 17-55mm f/2.8...arriving today...hope its worth it!

Easily worth it – color rendition and contrast is beyond amazing. Autofocus never hunts – worth every penny that lens is ;)

Delphi writes...

$690 is a steal imo.....do you remember which shop/area that quoted that price?

Sure do: "Photo Plus" – which you can find here. It's just outside Lot 10 in the middle of KL city (No. 50 Jalan Sultan Ismail).

My Benro M-258 tripod + KB-0 ball-head arrived today – so very impressed! Build quality is amazing and the whole rig weighs 2.1kgs in entirety.

I could've went for something lighter still but this is rated to 8kgs, is compact enough that I can carry it around with my regular kit, and it will last me.

Picked up a Nikkor 300mm AF-S F/4D yesterday. I'm very impressed with it. A bit bulky, but IQ is awesome!

Picked up a Canon 580ex II today.. The better half will probably go blind soon from all the test shots :P

Sigma DG 50-800mm is my latest buy.

Got an Oly 70-300mm for my birthday from the girlfriend, and parent's put half towards the Oly 12-60. Turning 30's not as bad as everyone says ;)

Just gotta find someone to buy me a bigger bag as mine was only big enough for the two little kit lenses!

J.Clarke writes...

Picked up a Canon 580ex II today

Interesting, didn't know this is a lens.

xjjohnno writes...

Sigma DG 50-800mm is my latest buy.

Is that a typo or did the Bigma just get bigger?

Picked up a Sigma 18-50 f2.8 last week, goes well with the recent adition of a sigma 50-150 2.8 to the family.

xjjohnno writes...

Sigma DG 50-800mm is my latest buy.

Google isn't helping me with this. 50-500mm? 300-800mm?

TSPhoenix writes...

Google isn't helping me with this. 50-500mm? 300-800mm?

It'll be the 50-500mm (the Bigma). 50-800 would be a typo.

Just picked up a 18-105mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR this morning :-)

Am I looking in the right places online for a lens? I went to buy a Nikon from the US but both sites I have visited don't have the one I was after in stock. Went to Amazon and bh photo.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520637-GREY/Nikon_2164_AF_S_Zoom_Nikkor_24_70mm.html

This the one you're after?

https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/lenses/nikon-lenses/autofocus-lenses-by-feature/nikon-af-s-silent-wave-motor-lenses/nikon-24-70mm-f2.8g-ed-af-s-in-stock.html

Typo on the Sigma, it's 50-500, I suffer acute fat fingers.

I got myself a new shining toy – Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 lens!!! Just picked it up from Fedex – I bought it from blueflymobile for $1620 delivered. It took them two or three days to process the order but once shipped, the lens was here within two days (from Hong Kong)!

I'm stuck at work though, but the first impressions are very positive. It seems to be a sharp lens with, which is for me more important, very fast and sure autofocus.

Can't wait to get some time to properly test it out!!

obliviON writes...

I'm stuck at work though, but the first impressions are very positive. It seems to be a sharp lens with, which is for me more important, very fast and sure autofocus.

It's the colors that get me – no other lens I have comes close to the color rendition of the 17-55.

Am loving the Sigma 70-200 on my D80 – so fast, colourful and an amazing bit of glass...

So much so I've ordered the Sigma 18-50 to run alongside it

Bye bye cheap Nikon AF-S kit lenses.... hello crisp, focused photos!

Just got the 10-20 sigma from cr kennedy in adelaide with price matching and the nikon 35mmf1.8 ready for the trip to Europe in a few weeks. Very impressed with both so far and looking forward to using them before we go and during on the d90!!!

Just curious, how much did you end up getting the sigma 10-20?

doubleu writes...

the 10-20 sigma from cr kennedy in adelaide with price matching and the nikon 35mmf1.8

Two great lenses for the price; I've both of them and really enjoy them.

the 10-20 sigma was $650 including postage

doubleu writes...

the 10-20 sigma was $650 including postage

Good price. Especially when you look at some retail stores with a RRP of over $900

Just got my Canon 24-70 f/2.8L today; now I need to get a 430EX II and I'm all set for World Championships in about 6 weeks time – I'll be heading up there with a 40D, 450D, 70-200 f/2.8L, 10-20, 24-70 f/2.8L, fully kitted out 580EX II (remote, ext batteries etc).

Yeah, I'm coming back with some good shots, I promise :D

Just got my EF 24-105L IS USM today (it came attached to an EOS 5D Premium Kit) – now charging the battery, can't wait to see how lenses have changed since the FL series...

(The $4999 bundle made the second round trip to Newcastle — 300 km — in one week very worthwhile, I'd say.)

Cheers,

LMH

Edit: decimates price paid LOL

carioca writes...

The $49995 bundle

Tell me there's an extra digit somewhere in that :)

Don't know how that '5' crept in, perhaps my fingers trembled with excitement?! Still charging the battery, oops – just turned green...
Cheers,

LMH

Mr Monkey writes...

Tell me there's an extra digit somewhere in that :)

Zero ? writes...

I'll be heading up there with a 40D, 450D, 70-200 f/2.8L, 10-20, 24-70 f/2.8L, fully kitted out 580EX II (remote, ext batteries etc).

Flying with all this stuff as carry-on? How are you managing that without getting weighed in for it given the ridiculously low weight limits they have for carry-on?

carioca writes...

Just got my EF 24-105L IS USM today (it came attached to an EOS 5D Premium Kit)

Congrats. Enjoy the weekend shooting. ;)

Artstar writes...

Flying with all this stuff as carry-on? How are you managing that without getting weighed in for it given the ridiculously low weight limits they have for carry-on?

I don't think VB have ever weighed my carry-on luggage.

Ah you're talking about a domestic flight. Sorry, I thought you were talking international because last year going to Beijing, I thought I got lucky with not having my carry-on weighed. On the other hand, back in 2006 going to Torino, I did have my camera and laptop bags weighed but thankfully managed to suck up enough to the nice lady at the ticket counter. On top of that, back in 2004, I had the ticket bitch in Athens weigh the laptop bag (which was around 11kg at that stage because I had so much paperwork!) and after asking for the manager, I was granted some leniency for it.

Since then, at least when at Kingsford Smith Airport, I get my friends to hold my lenses and laptop way away from the counter just in case the bag does get weighed.

Not a new lens but a new flashgun: Nikon SB600

Look forward to giving it a whirl!

Mr Monkey writes...

Not a new lens but a new flashgun: Nikon SB600

Look forward to giving it a whirl!

Yeah, i got one last week also.
Having heaps of fun playing around with it. I should also read the manual eventually

Muzza81 writes...

I should also read the manual eventually

That's true – it's a complex piece compared to the SB400.

wrong thread

Muzza81 writes...

I should also read the manual eventually

Is time well spent. I recently found out that the SB600 has a remote trigger. I almost went and bought an add on for it before I read the book.

fishy writes...

Congrats. Enjoy the weekend shooting. ;)

Thanks fishy, I did! The lens is a revelation to this old sourdough...

(Out of some 100 pics only a few survived scrutiny, including this one cropped out of a larger photo<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uc9KBCn1IH0/SnVKzPDmIuI/AAAAAAAAF84/_ehIbWb05WA/s144/Honeyeater_001.JPG" />)

Cheers,

LMH

PS: I believe there is a Wiki page on how to upload links that hide all the ugly URLs but I can't seem to find it, sorry.

Hey guys, looking into a new lens. A marco lens. I went into the store the other day to check some out. They are 4/3s mount. an oly 35mm and a sigma 105mm. it makes a difference to actually try them out (altho the sigma was on a nikkon camera not my camera) I dont like how when the sigma autofocus' the focus ring spins aswell.

but im not really looking for recomendations but rather places to buy. looking at B&H and some of the prices look alot better than here. I remeber a site that had second hand lens' (US aswell i think)

If i get the 35mm it probably wont be an issue buying from here as it will be like 50 more than the us. What issues etc will i have with buying from america? im guessing warranty etc.

thanks

carioca writes...

PS: I believe there is a Wiki page on how to upload links that hide all the ugly URLs but I can't seem to find it, sorry.

=there is a webiste called www.tinyurl.com that does that for you. probably others but this one works.

carioca writes...

Out of some 100 pics only a few survived scrutiny

I found it took a while to get used to the shallow DOF with ff.

Gotta love the tax refund cheque, a Samyang 8mm fisheye joins the lens collection.

carioca writes...

this old sourdough...

mmm...sourdough :)

Nice shot of the honey eater!

carioca writes...

I believe there is a Wiki page on how to upload links that hide all the ugly URLs

If you use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer you can use Whirlpool Plus plugin and you can easily do this by highlighting and choosing 'link' and you can name the link whatever you want.

multivac11 writes...

If you use Firefox instead of Internet Explorer you can use Whirlpool Plus plugin and you can easily do this by highlighting and choosing 'link' and you can name the link whatever you want.

Or, you can use whirlcode like I just did :)

I just picked up the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 in Canon mount. So far so good :)

[bracketed as being off-topic: I bake my own sourdough bread, sometimes even firing the WFO for the job... mmm indeed!]

Thanks for the compliment, and the tip – I shall investigate this Whirlpool plug-in business, as I use FF almost exclusively anyway.

@wazzam: thanks, will check out that Whirlcode thingo too...

@fishy: yes, I was totally surprised by the lenses narrow DOF, much to learn!

Cheers,

LMH

Insane bargain – just purchased a Nikon 55-200mm VR f4-5.6 from Gerry Gibbs Camera House, web-only special, $218.88 ordered online, paid with Paypal, pick-up from store!

(HK Ebay specials are over $300.00)

Thanks Shopbot! :)

http://gibbscamerahouse.com.au/nikon-afs-dx-vr-zoomnikkor-55200mm-f456g-ifed-p-984.html

it was $188.88 earlier today...

deltagoodrem writes...

it was $188.88 earlier today...

Phooey... oh well, still heckuva lot cheaper than risky HK sellers.

mr gibbs probably raised the price after being inundated with orders from whirlpoolers...

/forum-replies.cfm?t=1086039&p=2#r22

sorry to bring it up again, but my post seemed to get overlooked and without making a new thread

is there any issue with purchasing lens' from america? like B&H and amazon etc?

im looking at oly/sigma lens

Andyvan writes...

like B&H and amazon etc

The main US ones are B&H and Adorama. I have bought from both with no problems at all.

Andyvan writes...

im looking at oly/sigma lens

For Sigma lenses you can get prices matched by CR Kennedy with the advantage of having local warranty coverage. See their website for more info.

i bought 2 sb-600's from bhphoto...no dramas there as it's an established store...prompt delivery too...postage charges are a bit high but still works out to be cheaper than here...the prices on bhphoto are comparable to amazon though amazon charge ridiculous postage charges or they simply don't deliver outside of US. please note, warranty is not valid outside of the US unless you pay extra.

I don't think you can buy lenses off Amazon, it's classified as electronic doodads, which they still restrict when you try to pay for it.

It's interesting that after so long Amazon haven't really upped their profile in this country.

El Sledgo writes...

I don't think you can buy lenses off Amazon

I think you're right. IIRC the only things we can buy from Amazon is books, CDs and DVDs.

just received my Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 from b&h (super quick delivery, ordered friday, delivered this morning!). can't wait to try it outttttt!

Andyvan writes...

is there any issue with purchasing lens' from america? like B&H and amazon etc?

As the others have suggested, B&H and Adorama are the way to go, in that order of preference from my own personal experience too.

The only issues you may have to contend with are the obvious customs duties and taxes but more often than not, even if you do get slugged with those additional charges you will still have saved a good chunk of change compared to buying locally.

Again, as previously highlighted, warranties are all domestic unless you purchase (from the same retailer ideally) an international warranty covered by another mob like Mack, etc. That said, I bought a bunch of lenses while I was in Beijing for 5 months at US prices but didn't buy any international warranties since nobody offered any. Quite frankly, I don't see the need to concern myself with warranties from lenses as I rarely hear of any lenses needing repair unless they've taken a tumble down a flight of stairs or something.

Of course, that said, if I had a mucho expensive lens like the pros carry around at the sporting grounds (some $6000 and up!), I guess the warranty would then definitely mean something to me!

yeah the lenses are in the lower range, like 400-500

Andyvan writes...

yeah the lenses are in the lower range, like 400-500

It's entirely up to you but me personally, I didn't concern myself with the warranties when I bought my lenses in Beijing, not even for my 70-200L IS f/2.8 which I bought for around $1800.

just got myself a sweet sweet sigma 24-70mm f2.8 beauty :D

[ u e e K writes...

just got myself a sweet sweet sigma 24-70mm f2.8 beauty :D

was gonna do the same

But I went for a 17-50 Tamron 2.8 for $489.. a steal

[ u e e K writes...

just got myself a sweet sweet sigma 24-70mm f2.8 beauty :D

The new HSM version or the macro one. I am still interested in the HSM.

Just placed an order for a Nikon 18-105mm VR for $424 at CamerasDirect. Hoping it will delivered in one piece! Can't wait!

wazzam writes...

The main US ones are B&H and Adorama. I have bought from both with no problems at all.

I'm looking to buy from one of these companies for the first time. A dumb question, when signing up Adorama asks for my "country code" in the address details. Can someone tell me what the code is for Australia? Google turns up a telephone code but I don't think that's what they are after.

Mallrat writes...

A dumb question, when signing up Adorama asks for my "country code" in the address details.

Perhaps this refers to ISO 3166 country codes (in which case Australia is AU), but at any rate you don't need a "country code" to post something internationally.

J.

Johnno writes...

Perhaps this refers to ISO 3166 country codes

Thanks Johnno, tried your suggestion and it at least allowed me to finish the registration and see how the address looked. It turns out they wanted the phone code after all, which google tells me is 61 for Oz.

I actually like the B&H site more than Adorama's, but Adorama are the cheaper of the two. Decisions, decisions. :)

Mallrat writes...

Thanks Johnno, tried your suggestion and it at least allowed me to finish the registration and see how the address looked. It turns out they wanted the phone code after all, which google tells me is 61 for Oz.

Indeed it is.

It's good that you've got it all sorted out. I've not ordered from either Adorama or B+H, but both seem to be very highly regarded.

J.

I just picked up a Tokina 11mm-16mm for my D90.
Never shot with a wide angle before so finding it a bit weird so far.

Will take a fair bit of practice :)

Here's some shots I've taken so far with it...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wigeru/sets/72157621987821004/

Wigeru writes...

I just picked up a Tokina 11mm-16mm

Some great shots there. I particularly like 0632 looking up between the buildings to the blue sky.

Viper6 writes...

Some great shots there. I particularly like 0632 looking up between the buildings to the blue sky.

Thanks!
I actually took some bracketed shots of that (one under exposed, one over exposed) which I was planning on blending together, but I think that one worked out fine as is.

In one of the other shots I took of the same thing, a pigeon flew over head, and I happened to click the shutter when it was in the exact center of frame!
It makes a nice silhouette, but other areas of the shot are not properly exposed :(

ok so i got a quote from crkennedy for a sigma 105mm macro for 640. (4/3 mount) then checking on ebay i found This
would you reccomend to stay away from the ebay one? I mean im saving 70 bucks but is it dodgier to buy off ebay from hong kong?

Andyvan writes...

but is it dodgier to buy off ebay from hong kong?

It is not dodgey to buy from a reputable HK dealer, but for the extra $70 you'll get a local warranty with CRK. Worth it for $70 IMO, but if the difference was significantly more I'd be more inclined to buy from HK.

thanks, yeah thats what i was kinda thinking.

Andyvan writes...

would you reccomend to stay away from the ebay one? I mean im saving 70 bucks but is it dodgier to buy off ebay from hong kong?

Never dealt with that seller and they've only been around for 10 months which makes it a little more debatable to me. I've only ever bought some of my stuff from DigiRev's eBay store (HK dealer as well) and they've been around for a LONG time.

That said, the savings have always been more than $200 for a lens that would have cost me around $800 here, for example. If you're only saving $70, then definitely buy local as already advised. If you were saving a big chunk of change, then it's a different story but not for just a measly $70 (measly by today's standards anyway).

gsxrboy750 writes...

The new HSM version or the macro one. I am still interested in the HSM.

Sorry it was the macro one that I got.

Andyvan writes...

ok so i got a quote from crkennedy for a sigma 105mm macro for 640. (4/3 mount) then checking on ebay i found This

would you reccomend to stay away from the ebay one? I mean im saving 70 bucks but is it dodgier to buy off ebay from hong kong?

heya

I bought a tamron 17-50 2.8 off that seller last friday

had it at my house on monday (came over the weekend) so I can confirm the seller is legit

After much umming and arr-ing, I just bought a Tamron 18-270mm lens for my D90. I know there are compromises in such a wide range lens (it is pretty slow particularly at the very end) but for a travel lens I think it will be perfect :-)

I just bought the Canon 24-105 F/4 IS L. Anyone got any thoughts on this lens, it seems sharp and clear thus far?

-Chris Laird- writes...

I just bought the Canon 24-105 F/4 IS L. Anyone got any thoughts on this lens, it seems sharp and clear thus far?

Hiya Chris.... firstly congratulations on your purchase! Nice one! I've got this lens myself! :-)

What body are you running it on!???? I find it quite sharp as well! Quick question for you.. the old chestnut comes up a lot about this lens. Did you consider the 24-70 when looking at this lens?? :-)

Looking forward to the photos mate! :-)

cheers.
bennie!

Brand new Sigma 28-70 F2.8 DF ASP $350 (Pentax Mount)

Just bought:
Refurbished Canon 17-40mm f/4L
B + W 77mm Circular Polarizer Wide Angle Slim Mount Coated Glass Filter
Adorama Lens Pen

All up with shipping USD$719.25 which is roughly AUD$855+ according to XE

Not bad since brand new here is $1200 cheapest without the CPL which is USD$90.Just hope my luck is good with the refurb :)

Note: Adorama has a 1 year store-warranty on Canon refurb lenses, although their product pages don't reflect it. I brought it up with them and they confirm that (and even gave me a coupon for spotting it out, though I can't use it since I'm not in the US but that's pretty good service IMO)

I found myself (and this missus) in an interesting position. We're overseas (UK + Fracne) for an entire month. We took with us: Canon 350d, Canon d5 mk II, 70-200mm f/2.8, 28mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8.

What we've found is that we're constantly swapping between the three lenses... Its been quite frustrating to be honest.

As we've traveled around, we've come across several camera shops. At once place we found a 24-70mm f/2.8 for £1030 which is about $2040AUD.. Not too bad, but certainly not better than what we could get in Australia.

Then we remembered we can claim the VAT (Gst equiv) on the way back to Australia. That's 15% we can claim back! That means the lens costs approx £875 or $1740..

So, the missus and I are now the proud owner of a 24-70mm f/2.8.

Couple of sample images. Please note that I'm using a netbook to take the images from the CF card, into Adobe Lightroom (hahah, try using that program on a 9" screen :-)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenaka/3817111253/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenaka/3817911754/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenaka/3817101847/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenaka/3817908744/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenaka/3807486587/ <- First shot, isn't the missus impressed? :-)

Some interesting shots in there.

J.Clarke writes...

We took with us: Canon 350d, Canon d5 mk II, 70-200mm f/2.8, 28mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8.

Curiously, there is nothing very wide there (especially on the 350D). Was that your intention or was that the widest you had to choose from? Reason being, I think...travel = scenery = wide angle.

J.Clarke writes...

So, the missus and I are now the proud owner of a 24-70mm f/2.8.

Noice. Congrats.

wazzam writes...

Reason being, I think...travel = scenery = wide angle.

We're not hugely into scenery / panos, as a result, we've not purchased anything that wide.

However we've got quite a few images that will end up being stitched together when we get back to Australia. Yes its rough, but here's one we've done before: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenaka/3020497160/in/set-72157608785483099/

Hopefully with what I've learnt with previous panos, these shots should turn out better.

J.Clarke writes...

We took with us: Canon 350d, Canon d5 mk II, 70-200mm f/2.8, 28mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.8.

These are great shots! I have a 350D as well. Just wondering were these shots taken using the 350D cause that really puts the 24-70 on my next purchase list. I'm tossing over that and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS or f/4 IS.

Sigh, decisions.....

-DaNieL- writes...

that really puts the 24-70 on my next purchase list. I'm tossing over that and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS or f/4 IS.

get both :)

-DaNieL- writes...

I'm tossing over that and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS or f/4 IS.

The extra money spent on the f/2.8 IS is worth saving up for as you will have more versatility at your disposal, what with taking portrait shots with really blurry backgrounds and whatnot. I love it.

-DaNieL- writes...

These are great shots!

Thanks!
If you want to check, click the 'more properties' link on the right hand side to see the exif data.

Artstar writes...

The extra money spent on the f/2.8 IS is worth saving up for

for each their own.

my wife would never lug a 2.8 around when a 4.0 weights half as much! we used the 4.0 yesterday in the park at took some amazing shots. those should would be blank files if we had a 2.8 as she would have left it at home!

J.Clarke writes...

If you want to check, click the 'more properties' link on the right hand side to see the exif data.

*Slaps forehead*
How could I miss that??

Personally, I don't think I'd too bothered with the weight of the lens but I'm just saying this now without any experience of it on my camera.

Hi Bennie,

I did consider the 24-70 and deliberated for quite some time between the two. I decided to go with the 24-70 because of the IS, even though it was 1 stop slower.

From what I read about the two lenses the 24-105 seems to be the best one for what I needed it for.

I am running in on a 50D and 30D, but considering moving up to the 5D II or equal camera once available.

I don't have any photos online as yet, but once I do, I will be sure to post you a link.

Chris

sachz writes...

those should would be blank files if we had a 2.8 as she would have left it at home!

Women...

Ordered August 13th, arrived August 17th from Adorama. Fantastic service and fantastic price.

My new baby, the 17-40mm f/4L. Haven't had a chance to take shots with it on my 5D as I left that in my friend's car, but it's about the same size as my 400D it's currently attached to :). The hood is massive!

Just got a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 in the post, second-hand from eBay. It was a kind of an accidental purchase but the lens is gorgeous. I'm just about to go and have a play with it now.

coopers red writes...

Just got a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 in the post, second-hand from eBay.

How much, if you don't mind me asking?

Bought a 35mm-f/2 nikkor all-manual lens for my new D5000, for $50 (second hand). Takes great pictures, although still working out how to get the exposure/iso/aperture right the first time. I usually have to review the pic on the screen then adjust, but my first guess is often pretty OK.

just bought
new nikon 50mm f1.8D and 2nd hand sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG of ebay..:) hopefully will get it soon

wazzam writes...

get both :)
firstly... mate.. that's just bad!! :-)

However, i personally would still love the 24-70... i think ???? :-)

Actually... i'm still hanging out (saving) for the 85 f/1.2... :-)

-|Eldean|- writes...

just bought
new nikon 50mm f1.8D and 2nd hand sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG of ebay..:) hopefully will get it soon

congratulations... great lens!!! looking forward to your photos! well done!

cheers.
bennie

Just picked up the Canon 50mm f/1.4 for $557 from JB. Am loving it actually. Was tossing up between the f/1.8 and the f/1.4, and after trying them both out, and seeing the difference in the build quality I thought stuff it, go for the good one.

Grassy Knoll writes...

How much, if you don't mind me asking?

Well *sigh* I was a little rash so I don't think it was a great deal but I paid a little over $400 including postage – for comparison, some HK based eBayers sell it for ~$530 including post brand new. And there's another used one eBay right now that looks like it could go for less.

However, I just took some shots at lunchtime and I'm blown away – it's a really, really nice lens. I'd love the f/1.4 version but this one is spectacularly good for the money.

coopers red writes...

However, I just took some shots at lunchtime and I'm blown away – it's a really, really nice lens. I'd love the f/1.4 version but this one is spectacularly good for the money.

I'm think of getting the f1.8 when I can save up a bit.
D-D has it for $575 and I'm not far from them.

I can highly recommend a 50/1.4 — i got the SIGMA for my canon mount, and it's my favourite lens (had it for 6 months now and novelty still hasnt worn off).

Hmm I'm tempted to buy this but I've never bought from Ebay before:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sony-Carl-Zeiss-T-DT-16-80mm-F3-5-4-5-SAL1680CZ-L040_W0QQitemZ120456428003QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item1c0bc339e3&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

Should i be worried about anything or go ahead?

Canon 135mm F2 :)
Just delivered this morning! Can't wait to get homeeeeeeeeeeee!

Enlightened writes...

Should i be worried about anything or go ahead?

Go for it. Nothing really to worry about with a large seller like that.

Enlightened writes...

Should i be worried about anything or go ahead?

I'll second Schki's opinion. They've been around a long time and their feedback seems to be up to snuff. You should be fine.

Last lens added to my collection was a new Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm F4-5.6 including delivery for less than half the price they sell locally. Sweet.

Recently added a Sigma 30mm 1.4 and today my DA*300mm arrived.

rigga writes...

Recently added a Sigma 30mm 1.4 and today my DA*300mm arrived.

oooh – I am green with envy on both counts. I only have two DA* lenses, both zooms. I'd love to get my hands on a long prime.

Just purchased a Sony 500mm F8 Reflex Telephoto for my sony A200. I purchased it of topbuy.com.au, 2 days after the order went thru the price dropped $100. I made topbuy aware of this, and they agreed to give me a $100 store credit.This made the price of the lense $887 + freight.

Just got my first stabiliser lens – as cheap as possible to have a play with before anything serious.

EFS 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS – $131 new on eBay (Korean special!)

Got the Canon 70-200mm F2.8 IS a couple of weeks back, best $2000 i have ever spent. Photos are absolutely amazing from it, especially in RAW. So much better then my 24-70 F2.8.

Next will have to be the Canon 300m F2.8 IS, better keep saving!!

Whingpooler writes...

Got the Canon 70-200mm F2.8 IS a couple of weeks back, best $2000 i have ever spent.

Where'd you get it for 2000 clams?

got it on gumtree, only 2 months old. Actually paid $1950, good value i reckon.

Quantaray 28mm f1.8 aspherical.
$160 off ebay.
Its nice and sharp although it doesn't have the best bokeh (7 non rounded blades from what I can see)

Whingpooler writes...

Got the Canon 70-200mm F2.8 IS a couple of weeks back, best $2000

Where did you get it for $2000?

On gumtree, only 2 months old. Guy had bought it from B&H then decided he was going Nikon. No idea why he wouldn't have sold it on ebay, second hand ones going for $2200 on there. He had some nice other lenses as well but not what i needed.

Whingpooler writes...

On gumtree, only 2 months old. Guy had bought it from B&H then decided he was going Nikon.

Ah rite. I thought you got it overseas. If I was travelling, I should be able to get it around $1800-$1900 brand new.

Sprae writes...

If I was travelling, I should be able to get it around $1800-$1900 brand new.

Like I did. :)

waiting for the announcement of new CANON lenses... expected on 1st september. hope more tried & tested lenses are refreshed with new IS now.

Just bought a new DA*16-50 and 1.9 limited 43mm To go with my Pentax K7.I have posted a new DA18-250 on dirt cheap stores buy and sell section for $700.00.So I can get some money towards a DA*50-130

tamrom 18-200mm OS lens for walking around lens.

its going to replace my Canon 18-55IS and 55-250IS lens. Anyone interested in taking these off me? =)

The new Canon 100mm IS macro might find a place in my bag one day. ;)

fishy writes...

The new Canon 100mm IS macro might find a place in my bag one day. ;)

No such lens exists.

J.

Johnno writes...

No such lens exists.

Mmmmm... thought his post sounded a bit......... wait for it....... fishy.

lol :) couldn't resist.

But hey, the 100mm Macro with IS would rock.

wardie writes...

But hey, the 100mm Macro with IS would rock.

Interestingly, none of Canon's macro lenses has IS.

J.

Johnno writes...

Interestingly, none of Canon's macro lenses has IS.

IS is a bit pointless for most serious macro work as you would more than likely use a tripod.

That said, my camera has in-body IS and it is great for doing close ups of flowers and the like.

PeterB666 writes...

IS is a bit pointless for most serious macro work as you would more than likely use a tripod.

Yeah what you really need is SS. ... subject stabilization. ;)

fishy writes...

Yeah what you really need is SS. ... subject stabilization. ;)

That's a brilliant idea but we would need to phase out the analogue flowers, insects etc and replace them with digital ones.

PeterB666 writes...

IS is a bit pointless for most serious macro work as you would more than likely use a tripod.

It'd likely only be useful for hand-held macro shooters.

I don't think any of my (few) macro images were shot hand-held. It's a struggle as it is to achieve enough DOF and a sharp image when using a tripod.

J.

Ding!

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090102canon100mmmacro.asp

mrgazpacho writes...

Ding!

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090102canon100mmmacro.asp

Well I initially couldn't believe what fishy was saying...

"The new Canon 100mm IS macro might find a place in my bag one day. ;)"

I stand corrected. Sorry for doubting you fishy.

wardie writes...

"The new Canon 100mm IS macro might find a place in my bag one day. ;)"

I stand corrected. Sorry for doubting you fishy.

I was in the same boat.

Certainly this new macro lens looks very interesting indeed. I'll be keeping an eye on its price.

I should shoot more macro, though, eh?

J.

Johnno writes...

I should shoot more macro, though, eh?

As you well know, it is where the mood takes you. At the moment macro is the farthest thing from my mind. As is yours, by the sound of it.

_{The roundest knight at King Arthur's Round Table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi :)}

wazzam writes...

At the moment macro is the farthest thing from my mind. As is yours, by the sound of it.

I've never fully got into macro photography. Haven't had the creative drive to explore it for quite a while. :-(

J.

wardie writes...

I stand corrected. Sorry for doubting you fishy.

Ha. no problem. :)

New Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF VR comin' my way :-)

Red October writes...

New Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF VR comin' my way

Congrats!!! Have fun with you new toy!!! when does it arrive!??

Our 100-400mm L arrives tomorrow.

:D

My first high end lens, and just quietly, I can't wait!

hehehe. handing out the congrats at the moment!! :-)

Damo writes...

Our 100-400mm L arrives tomorrow.
Heya!!! Nice one!!! What's your plans for it!? Bird watching?? Wild-life!???

What body are you going to run on it!??

My first high end lens, and just quietly, I can't wait!
Excellent stuff!!! The first L lens is always something special!! my first one was the 70-200L f/4.0L IS, my other L lens is the 24-105 f/4.0L IS.. both good lenses!! :-)

Enjoy your new toy Damo!!!! Are you taking a day off work? or study? or whatever!?!??

Very painful that... knowing that you've got a lens but have to wait until the end of the day to use!

Cya.
B.

mrgazpacho writes...

Ding!

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0909/09090102canon100mmmacro.asp

I wonder if MichelleL's drooling yet? :)

-Bennie- writes...

Heya!!! Nice one!!! What's your plans for it!? Bird watching?? Wild-life!???

We have some magical wildlife out our way, so that is going to play a big role in what we do with it for sure.

On those bright and sunny days however i'll be giving it a workout on the beach. We have alot of good quality shore breaks here, and after getting some surgery on my back earlier in the year.. i'm suddenly more resigned to sit on the shore opposed to paddling around like mad out the back! Didn't think i'd be in a spot like this at 28! But the glass is half full most definitely :)

Enjoy your new toy Damo!!!! Are you taking a day off work? or study? or whatever!?!??

Stuck at work! We've got the weekend to ourselves however, and we've got some little projects we've thought up which should keep us out and about and snapping like mad. I really can't wait.

I swore I wouldn't get buyers remorse over this purchase, and apart from a bit of second guessing (namely, whinging) to Johnno in a Whim.. i've stuck to my promise.

Oh and it's on a 40D btw. I've just grabbed a really REALLY nice quality second hand specimen, much better than my 450D.. the moment I held it I knew.

Wand Weaver writes...

I wonder if MichelleL's drooling yet?

If you have enough light (which Michelle has), you probably don't need IS anyway.

wazzam writes...

If you have enough light (which Michelle has), you probably don't need IS anyway.

I'm not much of a macro shooter, but with my macro lens, the longer focal length decreases DOF more, and when you're at MFD (around 45cm with mine), you've got bugger-all DOF anyway.

I'm not sure how macro shooters get away with hand-held work, as the slightest movement at shallow DOF can throw your subject out of focus; and there's the issue of achieving a sufficiently fast shutter speed if the ambient light is not too bright.

If you're using flashes, it's probably possible.

J.

Johnno writes...

If you're using flashes, it's probably possible.

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout (her dual macro flash thingamabob)

-Bennie- writes...

Congrats!!! Have fun with you new toy!!! when does it arrive!??

Ordered it yesterday morning, should arrive by today apparently. It's delivered via Australian Air Express overnight :-)))

Finally went and bought an 85mm 1.2 II today. :D

Thanks Mr D-D photographics who sold it to me (and let me test it on him)!: http://imgur.com/zOmIR.jpg

Nick writes...

http://imgur.com/zOmIR.jpg

Awesome DOF and bokeh.

Damo writes...

We have some magical wildlife out our way, so that is going to play a big role in what we do with it for sure.
Excellent stuff... anyone that gets this lens is almost 99% a certainty to be into bird-watching, wild-life, perfect! :-)

On those bright and sunny days however i'll be giving it a workout on the beach. We have a lot of good quality shore breaks here, and after getting some surgery on my back earlier in the year.. i'm suddenly more resigned to sit on the shore opposed to paddling around like mad out the back! Didn't think i'd be in a spot like this at 28! But the glass is half full most definitely :)
lol: you're only 28!!! get back out there young man!!!

Stuck at work! We've got the weekend to ourselves however, and we've got some little projects we've thought up which should keep us out and about and snapping like mad. I really can't wait.
So.. tell us?? Has it arrived yet??? What's it like? Can you take a photo of it attached to your camera! :-)

Oh and it's on a 40D btw. I've just grabbed a really REALLY nice quality second hand specimen, much better than my 450D.. the moment I held it I knew.
Excellent mate.. the 40D is a grouse body!! I've got many friends who use this unit!! fantastic!!!

Red October writes...

Ordered it yesterday morning, should arrive by today apparently. It's delivered via Australian Air Express overnight :-)))
Whooaaa!!! Mate, it's waiting at home for you right now!!! Or did you get them to send it to your work location!???

Nick writes...

Finally went and bought an 85mm 1.2 II today. :D
(-: <insert speechless here>!!! :-)

You KNOW that this is my favourite lens! and that i'm suffering lens envy RIGHT now!!!!

Gimme!!Gimme!!Gimme!!Gimme!!Gimme!!Gimme!!Gimme!!Gimme!! :-)

Lol: but in all seriousness mate! Well done! it's a truly amazing lens which hopefully soon will be back on my camera body (i've just got another six months of savings to go!! slowly but surely! and i refuse to put it on the credit card!!!

Thanks Mr D-D photographics who sold it to me (and let me test it on him)!: http://imgur.com/zOmIR.jpg
hehehehe! Very good shot!

Don't you just LOVE the bokeh from this lens.. I notice it a mile away now! f/1.2 is just so.... yummmmmm! :-)

Have fun with all your new toys people!!

Good to see the 'I've purchased a new lens thread!' is delivering the goods!!!! :-)

cheers.
bennie!

Noodle writes...

Awesome DOF and bokeh.

Thanks! It's unlike anything I've used before. Going to take a while to get used to it. :)

Oblig. cat photo: http://imgur.com/qq6Zh.jpg

-Bennie- writes...

Whooaaa!!! Mate, it's waiting at home for you right now!!! Or did you get them to send it to your work location!???

Got them to send it to work :-)

Also just received my SB-400 flash I ordered last week......

CrazyNuts writes...

I bought myself a Sigma APO EX DG 50-500mm Lens (aka BigMa) for my Pentax K10D.
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3307&navigator=3

Can't wait to pick it up next week. I'm currently 1500km away at work :(

Well what a dissapointment this lens was. IQ wise I suppose it wasn't too bad considering the 10x zoom etc but reliability sucked. Two lenses in just as many months both developed AF issues, so I decided to go with the following lens instead.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3273&navigator=3

Slightly more expensive but considering the IQ out of this, well and trullly worth it.

All I will need is a 1.4x converter and I've got the 400mm zoom I needed.

By the way, even with the BIGMA I found myself using 100-400 range only anyway. 500mm developed unfavorable shots (was too soft for my liking considering the cost).

I also tried the BIGMOS (150-500mm) and that was THE worst lens I have ever laid my eyes on. anything over 350mm was 3x as fuzzy as the BIGMA. HSM was nice but that was it.

Let's hope I have a better run with the 100-300mm F4

Here is a review of my NEW lens http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/369-sigma-af-100-300mm-f4-nikon

Just received a Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM. Thought I'd get a small prime lens to help me to think more about composition, and for it's low light capabilities. Here's one of my first shots:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/multivac11/3884142468/

multivac11 writes...

Just received a Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM.

The 50mm f/1.4 has to be one of the more popular lenses. I wouldn't be without mine (except mine is Pentax, not Canon).

The funny thing is that I hardly ever use it. When I do need it however, it is invaluable.

-Bennie- writes...

So.. tell us?? Has it arrived yet??? What's it like? Can you take a photo of it attached to your camera! :-)

Speechless.

It arrived yesterday. I called the courier and had her divert past my work so that I wouldn't miss out. I haven't been that excited about a purchase in a long long time.. and even though I feel a little out of my depth with it, I can't wait to grow into it.

Admittedly there's not much I can do with it until tomorrow afternoon (early knock off) and the weekend. From the indoor snaps I managed the moment it was locked into the body.. I was amazed. Worlds apart, and I can't ask for anything more at this stage of the game!

I can't wait to get this thing outside!!

Not ONE ounce of buyers remorse either.. a first!

Noodle writes...

Awesome DOF and bokeh.

........ yeaaaaaaahh, if you think so.

Just because you can make the DOF 1mm thick, and deliberately blur half your subject, doesn't mean you should.

Beefy writes...

Just because you can make the DOF 1mm thick, and deliberately blur half your subject, doesn't mean you should.

It's just a test shot...if you had just bought a f/1.2 lens, you're telling me you wouldn't open it right up for the hell of it, regardless of what you were shooting?

Beefy writes...

Just because you can make the DOF 1mm thick, and deliberately blur half your subject, doesn't mean you should.

Just because you can tell me what to do with my own camera and lens, doesn't mean you should.

Xang writes...

It's just a test shot

Correct. I was trying to see if the lens works before I drove 90km home and realised it didn't.

Nick writes...

Correct. I was trying to see if the lens works before I drove 90km home and realised it didn't.

I appreciate that. I just find the current trend of shots like that being considered to have artistic merit to be quite silly.

Beefy writes...

Just because you can make the DOF 1mm thick, and deliberately blur half your subject, doesn't mean you should.

I am pretty sure Nick bought this lens and shot that photo to deliberately test out the ultra-shallow DOF right, other than the low-light capability?

Beefy writes...

I just find the current trend of shots like that being considered to have artistic merit to be quite silly.

It is artistic looking.

It is not easy focusing with such shallow DOF. Nick could have misfocused the DOF on that guy's hair, or his ears, or the hangings on the wall, and the photo would have looked silly then, but he didn't. He got it right on his facial features.

Noodle writes...

It is artistic looking.

........ yeaaaaaaahh, if you think so.

My Carl Zeiss 16-80 arrived today. Can't wait to give it a go, I'm going to Paris at the end of the month so it's going to be my main travelling lens.
Now I need to decide whether i should get a polarising filter for it.

Where do you get your Zeiss lenses from?

I got it from this Ebay seller
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Sony-Carl-Zeiss-T-DT-16-80mm-F3-5-4-5-SAL1680CZ-L040_W0QQitemZ300344377767QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item45edeb81a7&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

It was so much cheaper compared to all the stores i looked at.

Enlightened writes...

My Carl Zeiss 16-80 arrived today.

wow cool
what camera r u putting this on?

I'm using it with my Sony A300, probably won't need the kit lenses anymore :)

Just got my hands on my new Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 DI II VC LD Aspheric [IF] Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR.

Look forward to trying it out on my new D90.

I just ordered a new Canon 28mm f/1.8 prime this afternoon. It should arrive early next week.

I now have a new 10-22mm Canon for my 40D to go along with the 70-200 2.8, 50 1.8 and the 17-85 IS

Very nice :)

luztra writes...

I just ordered a new Canon 28mm f/1.8 prime this afternoon. It should arrive early next week.
Excellent choice mate. this is to go with your new Canon 500D i see from the other thread!

What other lenses are you going to get??? What type of photography do you want to do?

Beagle! writes...

I now have a new 10-22mm Canon for my 40D to go along with the 70-200 2.8, 50 1.8 and the 17-85 IS
Very nice :)
Whooaaa. Mate. that's an impressive line up your getting there.. You've got all the focal lens covered now! Well done!!!

I recently sold me 10-22 (i went full frame to the 5d mk II), but for bang for buck it's awesome!!! What's your plans for the lens? Landscapes???

Cheers.
B.

-Bennie- writes...

Whooaaa. Mate. that's an impressive line up your getting there.. You've got all the focal lens covered now! Well done!!!

I recently sold me 10-22 (i went full frame to the 5d mk II), but for bang for buck it's awesome!!! What's your plans for the lens? Landscapes???

Cheers.
B.

Thanks :)

The 10-22 is just to try to get some perspective on shots I couldn't get with the 17-85mm. The 1.6 crop always seems to get in the way. I'm nothing more than a total amateur when it comes to photography, but every now and again I take a shot and think 'wow, that's good!' and just want to expand the options open to me.

Landscapes with the 17-85mm were always frustrating, hopefully I can get some good photo's with the 10-22mm.

http://photos.cliffordjones.id.au/img/v4/p1006620881-3.jpg

http://photos.cliffordjones.id.au/img/v0/p941210792-3.jpg

An early morning trip out with the dogs the other day...

70-200L f4 IS is coming home Monday....

-Bennie- writes...

Excellent choice mate. this is to go with your new Canon 500D i see from the other thread!

What other lenses are you going to get??? What type of photography do you want to do?

I already have (well my partner has – he has a 40D)

• 50 F1.8
• 70-200 F4 IS USM
• 100 USM F2.8 Macro
• 17-85 F4-5.6 IS USM

Going to get (can't decide which to get first out of the 50 and 85)

• 50 F1.4
• 85 F1.8
• 17-55 2.8 OR Tamron 17-50 (the new one just released) – haven't decided which one yet; waiting for reviews on the Tamron.

Mainly intend to take pictures of my son who is almost one and starting to walk. Would like to also do some street photography. I prefer prime lenses.

Nothing special but I picked up a new Sigma 17-70mm F2.8 to go with my Pentax K200D, have to get used to having a wide angle zoom after using my 50mm prime for hiking photography. Took a couple of shots this afternoon and added them in the photos thread.

/forum-replies.cfm?t=1256494&p=38#r744

Wand Weaver writes...

I wonder if MichelleL's drooling yet?

LOL – not quite! I'm really happy with my macro lens. I haven't had a chance to do too much macro stuff lately as I've been busy taking people/portraiture shots etc.

wazzam writes...

(her dual macro flash thingamabob)

has saved the day on many occasions.

Johnno writes...

I'm not sure how macro shooters get away with hand-held work

lots and lots and lots of practice. :D

Following the grand tradition of my friend Bennie -

WWOOPP WWOOPP SIREN SIREN WOP WOP SIREN SIREN BOING AND BOUNCE

I have just come home from purchasing myself the 16 – 35 f/2.8 L II USM lens. I picked it up at DD for just over the $2K mark.

I took it for a quick spin on my way home – what a lens! I can see now why this is a staple of photo journalists and 'scapers! I'm waiting for jnr to have his afternoon sleep so that I can pracitce on him :D

MichelleL writes...

WWOOPP WWOOPP SIREN SIREN WOP WOP SIREN SIREN BOING AND BOUNCE

Haha!!! It's the obligatory siren!!!

MichelleL writes...

I have just come home from purchasing myself the 16 – 35 f/2.8 L II USM lens

Congratulations Michelle! Such an awesome lens! And what a great price too :-)

One Canon 300mm f2.8 L IS USM coming my way. :) I could not refuse the price so I grabbed it and ran. LOL

maverick writes...

One Canon 300mm f2.8 L IS USM coming my way.

Mate!! That's some serious glass. You gotta be pretty excited about that!!!
In fact I'm pretty excited for you :-))

drew00556 writes...

You gotta be pretty excited about that!!!

You bet I am, I have been lusting after this lens for about a year now as Johnno would know. ;)

I was all set to buy it in the US and had a sale all lined up at what I thought was an excellent price (and it still is) but I stumbled on to a fantastic deal here in Australia and jumped on it. I am pretty stoked about it too. It is all paid for and will be on its way to me in the next day or two depending on the banks processing of the money.

Oh and the best part is that my wife was onboard with the purchase, man! you gotta love that. :)

maverick writes...

Oh and the best part is that my wife was onboard with the purchase, manyou gotta love that.

Oh yeah I can appreciate that. Makes things a whole lot easier!

Gosh I am excited! My lens arrives this week and I just don't know what to do. Do I go to work and risk the lens being delivered and then taken back to the post office to be kicked around or do I take the day off and wait nervously for it to arrive? Decisions, decisions, decisions, I think I will take the day off for an important arrival as this lens is. :)

maverick writes...

take the day off

You know you'll wanna test it out :P

drew00556 writes...

You know you'll wanna test it out :P

Whatever do you mean Drew????? LOL

I have just gone a copied the phone number to gain access to the wetlands that are owned by Power & Water here. They have a locked gate access for bird watchers and photographers so tomorrow I will be applying for access to this area. :)

maverick writes...

They have a locked gate access for bird watchers and photographers so tomorrow I will be applying for access to this area.

Well that sounds like an awesome test ground for this lens.

Ordered EF-S 60mm Macro! Can't wait for it to come! Read lots of good reviews about this lens :)

-DaNieL- writes...

Ordered EF-S 60mm Macro!

Yeah you'll love it! Macro is really addictive and it's the right time of year to be starting out.

Plenty of critters around :-)

drew00556 writes...

Macro is really addictive and it's the right time of year to be starting out.

I was lucky enough to have a play around with both the 60mm and the 100mm and both were really, really fun to use. Managed to get the 60mm for a REALLY good price and my current lenses (50mm f/1.8 and 18-55) just don't do the type of shots I realised I want...hopefully this does. I'm not sure what I want! :D

Just picked up a Nikkor 35mm f1.8 while in London on holidays. Couldn't find one in New York (sold out) and although I would have liked one earlier in the trip it was worth getting.

Fris

Got myself a new Opteka 85mm f/1.4 lens for Nikon. The Opteka is the same lens as the slowly-becoming-legendary Samyang 85mm f/1.4. $330 delivered from US for this sharp lens with lovely buttery bokeh!

The downside is manual focus and manual exposure on my Nikon D90. But I am looking forward to practicing manual photography :)

Well I am a bit disappointed as I was expecting delivery of my 300mm f2.8 today but I the tracking website still says it is at the dispatch depot and it is under some kind of area security check whhich TNT is telling me will delay the item for 2 or 3 days. NOT HAPPY JAN!!!!

maverick writes...

was expecting delivery of my 300mm f2.8 today but I the tracking website still says it is at the dispatch depot

Just hope that it's not full of dust by the time it gets to you =P

Hey guys i want to buy some canon L series lenses from overseas while our dollar is pretty strong. Can you pls recommend some good sites to compare prices. USA or HK sites as long as they are reputable!

i've checked out DWI
http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/index.asp

any others

thanks!

Just picked up my 24-105L f/4 from d-d today. Loving it so far!

Chris writes...

Just picked up my 24-105L f/4 from d-d today. Loving it so far!

I'm looking at this lens too as a replacement for my 18-55 non IS kit lens. What did you have before the L, and how have you found that it compares?

Some person who will remain nameless suggested a shoot in local wetlands and that made me bring forward the acquisition of a new lens; deposit paid and one new 50-500 coming up in the next couple of days ;)

Whirl Addict writes...

from overseas while our dollar is pretty strong.

Whirl Addict writes...

USA or HK sites as long as they are reputable!

I've used B&H from the States – no problems experienced – http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

11T.Co writes...

suggested a shoot in local wetlands

ahhh – the power of suggestion. :D

MichelleL writes...

ahhh – the power of suggestion.

You watch, it will probably rain that day.

Xang writes...

I'm looking at this lens too as a replacement for my 18-55 non IS kit lens. What did you have before the L, and how have you found that it compares?

I had a Sigma 17-70. It was a good lens but this 24-105L is amazing. So sharp. So much better than the sigma! It is currently on my 400D. I don't miss the 7mm extra on the wide end (I have the 10-22). Here are some first shots:
http://gallery.me.com/chris.leonardi#100064&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=1

This would be a big upgrade from your 18-55 kit lens!

Xang writes...

I'm looking at this lens too as a replacement for my 18-55 non IS kit lens. What did you have before the L, and how have you found that it compares?

I too have just purchased the 24-105 f/4 L IS as my main walkaround lens on a 450D. I wanted something that was going to be as sharp as my EF50 f/1.4 and I'm not disapointed. This is an amazing zoom. What i give up for in speed I get back in range, and IS to boot. I still have the 18-55 kit lens that I'll use if i really need to go wide angle, albeit at lower IQ.

superdisco writes...

This is an amazing zoom. What i give up for in speed I get back in range, and IS to boot

Agree with that. Also, this lens on a 400D, with battery grip, with 580EXII will be a bit on the heavy side. I imagine the 24-70 2.8 would be even harder to slug around.

Chris writes...

I imagine the 24-70 2.8 would be even harder to slug around.

Totally agree. I agonised for months over whether I should go with the 24-70 f/2.8L or the 28-105 f/4L and the main issue was the weight. As it turns out the 450D and battery grip with 24-105 is heavy, but as soon as I put the lens on the camera I knew I had made the right decision. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted a heavier walkaround lens.

My Canon 300mm f2.8 turned up yesterday. :) Now longing for the wekend to go shoot with it.

I got a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 to accompany my walkaround Tamrom 17-50mm f/2.8. Can't wait to try it out tonight!

superdisco writes...

As it turns out the 450D and battery grip with 24-105 is heavy,

Is the weight well balanced without the battery grip?

ca6leguy writes...

Is the weight well balanced without the battery grip?

Not sure. Will give it a run over the weekend and let you know.

ca6leguy writes...

Is the weight well balanced without the battery grip?

I've not tried without the battery grip. I'll give it a try over the weekend.

Mr.Phu writes...

I got a Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Give us the run down on tis when you can. Been looking at it for a while

just got a Pentax FA 77mm F1.8 wanted one for ages Have used them before, if only most lens were this good.

Just got my sigma 24-70, will give it a go on the weekend, see how big is the difference compare to my 18-55 kit lens

ca6leguy writes...

Is the weight well balanced without the battery grip?

Without the battery grip this body and lens combination feels a little cumbersom. However I use the Canon hand grip, not a neck strap. I like the addidtional height that the battery grip provides when used with the handstrap. Definatley assists when taking landscape orientated shots when using the heavier lenses.

The 450 D body is smaller compared to say a 50D, and with the 28-105 its quite obvious.

Edit – spelling

On their way back from the US my parents picked up a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8; so far I'm really happy with it :) Haven't had much of a chance to get out there and use it yet but I'm looking forward to it!

Duncan  writes...

from the US my parents picked up a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8

ive had one for the past year, its a great lense. i bought it in Oz and got the GST .... absolutely love this one, only flaw is its a crop-sensor lense, and as im making the trek to Full Frame soon this ones going to probably be sold off...

sachz writes...

only flaw is its a crop-sensor lense, and as im making the trek to Full Frame soon this ones going to probably be sold off...

I kept that in mind, but im not going full frame any time soon. My next body is going to be the 7D, so it'll be fine :)

superdisco writes...

Without the battery grip this body and lens combination feels a little cumbersom.

Thanks. Is the 24-105 an overkill for 450D/500D?

Just received my new Sigma 5-500mm lens, I'm sure the bloody thing will break my arm as it is 1.9kg on its own; I think a mono-pod will be a necessity.

11T.Co writes...

Just received my new Sigma 50-500mm lens (corrected)

A Bigma – woohoo. I'm looking forward to your personal thoughts on this lens.

I've been lusting after this lens for ages. One day :)

11T.Co writes...

I'm sure the bloody thing will break my arm as it is 1.9kg on its own

Yes, it is a whopper. I've never handled one...only seen them in the display cases.

wazzam writes...

A Bigma – woohoo. I'm looking forward to your personal thoughts on this lens.

Thanks for fixing the typo, wouldn't that be the mother of all lenses if such a thing was available :)

I'll go out and play with it this week-end and will let you know what I think (so far the only thing I can say about it is that "it's bloody big").

11T.Co writes...

Just received my new Sigma 5-500mm lens, I'm sure the bloody thing will break my arm as it is 1.9kg on its own; I think a mono-pod will be a necessity.

What are you going to use this for? I have the 150-500, and use it for sports. it is pretty heavy but I bought a cheap monopod from ebay, and use it 80% of the time.
500mm is cool!

Muzza81 writes...

What are you going to use this for? I have the 150-500, and use it for sports. it is pretty heavy but I bought a cheap monopod from ebay, and use it 80% of the time.
500mm is cool!

I intent to use the lens for nature photography; I was also looking at the 150-500 but there was no stock available at this time but then a friend in the business told me that the 50-500 was meant to be sharper and it was available now, the price difference is not that great so I went for it.

I can get a Manfrotto carbon monopod for about $70, how does that compare with the one from ebay?

11T.Co writes...

I intent to use the lens for nature photography

Eleventy,

Are you coming birding with us on Saturday?

It'd be a great opportunity to use your new Bigman.

J.

Johnno writes...

Are you coming birding with us on Saturday?

That's the plan so far so I can blame you for the expense :)

11T.Co writes...

That's the plan so far so I can blame you for the expense :)

As long as your wife isn't coming along, I'm not too worried.

Congrats on the purchase, BTW. Buying a new lens is good retail therapy.

It's been a fairly long time since I last purchased a lens. I have all I need and then some. :-)

J.

Johnno writes...

As long as your wife isn't coming along, I'm not too worried.

Don't worry, she's far away and doesn't know about the lens yet. When will you be posting an update for Saturday on flickr?

11T.Co writes...

a friend in the business told me that the 50-500 was meant to be sharper

I did read that also when buying mine. I sacrificed this in order to get the OS. I can hardly hold my 35mm steady... but thats just me...

I can get a Manfrotto carbon monopod for about $70

Really? is that mates rates or just shopping around?

I got one similar to this for about $25 inc postage
Cheap Ebay Monopod
The head is a bit cheap, and i have stripped out the handle but with a couple of modifications, it does the job.

Muzza81 writes...

Really? is that mates rates or just shopping around?

I'll need to see it again in case it wasn't made of carbon (just had some doubts a few minutes ago) but that was just a good customer price from a mate without any haggling.

Anyway, I'll find out tomorrow as I need one for the week-end.

11T.Co writes...

When will you be posting an update for Saturday on flickr?

Some time this week. Just narrowing down the details.

J.

Johnno writes...

Some time this week. Just narrowing down the details.

J.

Ok, will keep on eye on the discussion and will see you again on Saturday.

I just bought a Sigma 10-20mm, the new f/3.5 constant aperture on eBay. The reviews I've read are all favourable when comparing it to the old one so I thought I couldn't really go wrong.

Only problem is, I've just noticed the seller I bought it off only just bought it himself a week ago, from a HK seller. He also paid $20 more than what he sold it to me for.

Anyone have any experience with this lense, or perhaps some worst-case-scenarios for me to worry about while I wait for it to arrive? :P

spoz writes...

Anyone have any experience with this lense, or perhaps some worst-case-scenarios for me to worry about while I wait for it to arrive?

Stop worrying about worse case scenarios, this could just be a case of somebody buying something on impulse and finding out it doesn't suit them.

ca6leguy writes...

Thanks. Is the 24-105 an overkill for 450D/500D?

I think it really depends what you you're looking for. I've used my 50mm f/1.4 a lot more than the kit lenses as it's so sharp and has great IQ. So for me i wanted a zoom that gave me FOV that i was looking for, that was as sharp as the 50mm, but something that I'd be happy to carry round all day.

This is a wonderful lens for the 450/500D – but for me i think the battery grip helps me handle the camera a little better with larger/heaver lenses. Another decision for me was that I intend to go full frame in the future, so i didn't want an EF-S lens.

What's the best price today for a Canon 24-105 F/4 L IS?

Just picked up a Canon 24 – 70 f/2.8 L for an undisclosed sum :)

Just got my EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro in my grubby mits! :)

ca6leguy writes...

What's the best price today for a Canon 24-105 F/4 L IS?

About $1425. $10 less then what I paid a week ago! The way the dollar is going, it may come down further.

http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/canonlenses.htm#24-105

Hendikins writes...

Just picked up a Canon 24 – 70 f/2.8 L for an undisclosed sum :)

Nice lens, although you'll now find that you'll need an external speedlight of some description because the inbuilt onboard flash on the Canons won't clear the big lens hood.

Wand Weaver writes...

Nice lens, although you'll now find that you'll need an external speedlight of some description because the inbuilt onboard flash on the Canons won't clear the big lens hood.

Not that I actually shoot anything with flash, but I do already have a baby one of those. :P

Wand Weaver writes...

although you'll now find that you'll need an external speedlight of some description because the inbuilt onboard flash on the Canons won't clear the big lens hood.

If you need to use a flash, I assume you are in a dimly lit area. So, why do you need a hood?

ca6leguy writes...

If you need to use a flash, I assume you are in a dimly lit area.

Don't assume that.

Flash isn't necessarily about providing light where there is darkness; it is also about balancing light.

Take a photo of a person in midday sun, and you'll need a flash to fill the dark shadows.

J.

Johnno writes...

Don't assume that.

Flash isn't necessarily about providing light where there is darkness; it is also about balancing light.

Take a photo of a person in midday sun, and you'll need a flash to fill the dark shadows.

IC, thanks for that. Will the 24-105mm F/4L on a 450D/500D suffer the same problem since the lens is massive compared to the body? How about if no lens hood is attached?

ca6leguy writes...

IC, thanks for that. Will the 24-105mm F/4L on a 450D/500D suffer the same problem since the lens is massive compared to the body? How about if no lens hood is attached?

The 24-105's lens hood is a lot smaller, but I cannot recall whether or not it poses a problem for the in-built flash.

Someone who owns it might be able to indicate.

J.

ca6leguy writes...

So, why do you need a hood?

I generally always shoot with the hood on, regardless of the available light. Incident light hitting the lens at an odd angle (even if from a spotlight or another stray lightsource indoors from another room) can still cause lens flare.

An additional bonus is that it protects the lens against bumps and scrapes. This is especially useful on the 24-70 since the lens is telescopic (rather than the 70-200s, which zoom internally), and the hood isn't attached to the telescopic portion of the lens, keeping the possibly fragile zoom mechanism out of harms way, along with the objective element.

ca6leguy writes...

Will the 24-105mm F/4L on a 450D/500D suffer the same problem since the lens is massive compared to the body? How about if no lens hood is attached?

I'm not sure about the 24-105 f/4L, but I know from experience that the 24-70 f/2.8L and the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8IS do suffer from the lens/hood blocking the flash on the lower portion of the frame with a 50D.

Given that the 17-55 and the 24-105 seem to be about the same size, I'd guess that it's likely that some shadowing of the onboard flash would occur when the lens is fully extended and the hood attached.

http://media.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Other/Canon-General-Purpose-Zoom-Lenses.jpg

Someone with the lens and a xxxD camera (which is a smaller body than the 50D) would have to let us know for certain, though.

ca6leguy writes...

Will the 24-105mm F/4L on a 450D/500D suffer the same problem since the lens is massive compared to the body? How about if no lens hood is attached?

Yep! I own a 400D and using the in-built flash will cause this issue. I shoot with a 580EXII so it doesn't become a problem with that.

Chris writes...

Yep! I own a 400D and using the in-built flash will cause this issue.

Even without the lens hood?

ca6leguy writes...

Even without the lens hood?

*sigh*
I've had to deal with this since day 1. I have Pentax (K20D, now K-7), and, in both cases, the 16-50 lens produces a shadow when wide, without the hood. With the hood the problem is present throughout the range.

*grrrrr*

Muzza81 writes...

Really? is that mates rates or just shopping around?

It wasn't the carbon fibre one, nor a heavy duty one; it's a 776YB (aluminium) and good for 4.5kG which is good enough for what I need.

11T.Co writes...

It wasn't the carbon fibre one, nor a heavy duty one; it's a 776YB (aluminium) and good for 4.5kG which is good enough for what I need.

Are you able to put a head on this version?

Muzza81 writes...

Are you able to put a head on this version?

Yes you can, I got a 234RC with it; all up it was $125 (monopod + head).

Just picked up Canon EF 100-400mm + plus filter for $2220 from camerapro.net.au, going away on holidays to give it a good run in. :)

Chris writes...

The way the dollar is going, it may come down further.
Well, I saw an add on the GreenGuide 4 weeks back of a Tamron 90m for $695 but forgot about that and lastweek went to same shop with the GG they did not bother to accept my $740 hard dollars (cash).

I went to few shops (5 actually) around Elizabeth street on Tuesday – all from $765 to $900 (Michael). At the end paid $790 with a Hoya 55mm CP filter at one shop. Will try this weekend at Tulip farm.

The bottom line is: our strong $ doesn't help.

BH

Just picked up a Nikon 35mm F1.8 for $360.

Absolutely bargain (mind you, that's only compared to retail $399) but in terms of value. It's a very fast lens and on a DX sensor compares very well to a 50mm prime, most of which cost almost double the price.

Plastic construction, no ED glass but metal mount. Sharp, creamy bokeh (in the shots I've taken so far) and perfect for casual low light, restaurant shots or any other situation where you need a fast lens.

Works great as a happy-snap lens on my Nikon D90.

Tanalasta writes...

Just picked up a Nikon 35mm F1.8 for $360.

Great lens. Very sharp, and great value for money. I dont use mine as much as i would like, but when it does come out, i enjoy using it

I just shot a gig with my new 24-70 2.8 Nikon. Managed to get a few good shots at 1600 iso rather then 3200 which I needed with my kit lens. I think the focus hunted once or twice during the whole night. Glad I bought a cheap body (D80) so I could get this lens.

Just recently purchased a used 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM — for $900
YEAH!!!

radicool writes...

Just recently purchased a used 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM — for $900

That's cheap. Why did the owner sell it?

radicool writes...

Just recently purchased a used 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM — for $900

wow, from where?

Used to belong to The West newspaper, one of my friend bought it for $1,100 last year, during the 12 months he hardly used it, and too heavy for him, he wants to buy 24-70 2.8 (used) for $1,300 so I offered $900 and he accepted straight away...

some heavy scratches and scruff on the chassis, and the mounting rubber needs to be replaced, optically still excellent, no scratches whatsoever, only few dust spots, I took it to Canon for a service, they will clean, change the rubber mount, and check the AF and IS, for $250

HAHA :)
you have to know where to look and enough connections in the photograpgy market in Perth :)

radicool writes...

some heavy scratches and scruff on the chassis, and the mounting rubber needs to be replaced, optically still excellent, no scratches whatsoever, only few dust spots, I took it to Canon for a service, they will clean, change the rubber mount, and check the AF and IS, for $250

Maybe he wanted to quicklly offload it due to the condition of the lens. Heavy scratches and scruff marks usually does not appeal buyers.

ca6leguy writes...

Maybe he wanted to quicklly offload it due to the condition of the lens. Heavy scratches and scruff marks usually does not appeal buyers.

Maybe, but if the optics on the lens are still working fine, then it is still an excellent lens, especially for that price, wish I could find a deal like that.

Just bought myself a new canon 50mm f1.4 USM lens for doing potraits and stuff

This lens is really orsm. Took a bunch on test shots with the lens on a 450d and the sharpness is very good. Nice bokeh in the background as well. I will post a bunch of pics once I get them on my pc.

Just went on a bit of a spending spree..

A Manfrotto 055xprob + 488rc2 + 458HL Strap with my name on it is somewhere between South Korea and Australia. Also, a couple of Hoya Pro1D UV/CPL filters + Canon hoods arrived last week from Hong Kong. eBay is amazing!

I also picked up a new Canon 50mm f1.8 from JB Hi-Fi on the weekend. I am looking forward to getting out and exploring the new possibilities these items have opened up.

radicool writes...

so I offered $900 and he accepted straight away...
that is a very, very nice deal... wow!!! congrats on the purchase!

i've been eyeing off this lens for quite some time.. however... i've turned into a prime man :-) well... in my head i have.. i still need to purchase a few more of them! :-)

jazz_neo writes...

Just bought myself a new canon 50mm f1.4 USM lens for doing potraits and stuff
Wooohaaa! Congratulations.... this is a great lens.. and on a crop body is a perfect focal length for portraits! :-)

jazz... get yourself over to the WP Photography comp. and put in a submission! :-)

This lens is really orsm. Took a bunch on test shots with the lens on a 450d and the sharpness is very good. Nice bokeh in the background as well. I will post a bunch of pics once I get them on my pc.
excellent stuff.... i'm looking forward to seeing what you can do with this lens?

Do you have a flickr account? or something similar?

Izac writes...

I also picked up a new Canon 50mm f1.8 from JB Hi-Fi on the weekend. I am looking forward to getting out and exploring the new possibilities these items have opened up.
Congrats... this was one of the first lenses i purchased my canon dslr... it's an awesome cheap/low light lens!!! congrats!!!

again as above with jazz... post your photos..... :-)

nice work!
bennie

thanks for the motivation bennie, will do that soon. =)

Just got my 70-200mm is f4 today!!

Has anyone bought one of the tripod rings for it from Ebay, they are alot cheaper than the genuine ones but i'm a bit scared it could break with 3k worth of equipment hanging off it

qwerky writes...

Just got my 70-200mm is f4 today!!

Congratulations. Awesome lens.
I sucked up the cost and bought the Canon tripod mount from Cameras Direct. As you mentioned $165 isn't a lot of cash when you have an expensive camera and lens hanging off it.

https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/tripods/tripod-accessories/canon-tripod-mount-ring-a-ii-w.html

Recently bought a Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro and 580 EXII while in HK. $10,000HKD for the two... now I just have to learn how to use them properly...

Just got myself the Canon 50mm f/1.4

I mainly got it for an upcoming photography project I'm starting in a week...but I've always kind of wanted it. Maybe that's just a good excuse :)

Got myself a second hand yet unused Sigma 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 for about $140. I'm cheering.

My Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 MFT lens arrived from Japan today.

My Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro arrived this week :)

My Pentax M 50mm 1.7 arrived yesterday.

just received my nikkor 50mm f1.8D today!

aNttNa writes...

Just got myself the Canon 50mm f/1.4

Me too! Been playing around with it on a 7D... nice lens :)

Although not exactly "new", I just purchased a Minolta AF 35-70mm F4 lens from Ebay in a used bundle.

Cost was $28.00 using a bid snipe program online. Lens was nearly mint, performed the Macro AF hack this afternoon and I am pretty impressed (was manual focus in macro). It has nice colours and is quite sharp...overall a great bargain buy.

It came with 4 Hoya Skylight 1B lens filters in varying sizes (2x 49mm, 1x 55mm 1x 52mm).

i know OT, but what's a bid snipe program? pm me if u don't want to tell it to the whole world! (even though u kinda just did!) lol

funky_chilli writes...

i know OT, but what's a bid snipe program? pm me if u don't want to tell it to the whole world! (even though u kinda just did!) lol

I use Hammersnipe. Works great and it's free if you're not a heavy user.

Took the plunge finally and ordered a Canon 10-22 from d-d-electronics last night. Can't wait!

Bought a bit of kit

24-105L
580 EXII Flash
Battery Grip

Next on list is a UWA and a 35L

Next year a second body (full frame)...

funky_chilli writes...

what's a bid snipe program?

It's an automated bidding program that attempts to sneak in the the last bid for you just before the auction expires. "Sniping" is the act of making a last-minute bid, hoping that the other users don't have time to make one after you.

Pretty much standard operating procedure for all "serious" online bidders nowadays.

Just upgraded from the 18-55 non-IS kit lens, to a 24-70 f/2.8L and 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 USM. Courier delivered this morning, still playing with it all, so excited!

Xang writes...

Just upgraded from the 18-55 non-IS kit lens, to a 24-70 f/2.8L

Congrats on the purchase. I'm in the same situation that you were in. Is the 24-70L wide enough for you? That's what I'm worried about as I find that I sometimes use the 18mm focal length. Ahh I've been holding off a new walk-about lens purchase for too long!

Sony 11-18mm

First UWA.

-DaNieL- writes...

Is the 24-70L wide enough for you?

I've only had it for a day =P

It seems wide enough for what I'm going to use it for. Previously, my go-to low light lens was my 50/1.8, which was obviously terrible for shots of more than 1, or maybe 2 people. The 24mm, while not particularly wide, should let me get shots of 4-5 people pretty easily without having to walk a few k's backwards.

Will probably need more experience to give you a real idea, but even then, the other features of the lens are very appealing. I preferred the build quality and extra length for portraits over the 17-55 2.8 IS, which is the only other lens you can really compare it to.

That, and I got a 10-22 at the same time if I'm really craving some more width....and I have time to change lenses. Where's that 2nd body...

Sick Sad World writes...

Sony 11-18mm

First UWA.

Sweet lens, I went through a photo pool over at flickr of images from it, very nice. I know of a whirlpool member with the same lens who might offload his to me :-)

It's going to break the bank, but i must have it....

Purchased a Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 myself, not exactly fast, but enough for me on my budget, was hanging from a Minolta Dynax 500si.....another snipe from the bay for chump change.

just got a 24-105L f4 on friday, "potentially" for less than $1300 bnew

got it for a little less than $1400 from ted's and i'll claim gst for when i go on holiday in 2 weeks time

kimera writes...

just got a 24-105L f4 on friday, "potentially" for less than $1300 bnew
Whoooaa. Congrats! This is a great lens!!! I've got one of these myself!!! :-)

Well done! It's a great 'walk around lens'. What body are you putting this onto???

got it for a little less than $1400 from ted's and i'll claim gst for when i go on holiday in 2 weeks time
even better!!! nice work!

sed8ed writes...

It's going to break the bank, but i must have it....

Got it for $450ish second hand off ebay. New they are $700 from hk but the rrp here is $1250. Go figure.

Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 myself

Looking on dyxum there are a heap of lenses from sigma with that focal length. The APO ones might even be decent. Ratings range from 3.44 -4.2 for the best apo version(sharpness). For reference the kit 55-200 gets 4.5 for sharpness.

Sick Sad World writes...

Looking on dyxum there are a heap of lenses from sigma with that focal length. The APO ones might even be decent. Ratings range from 3.44 -4.2 for the best apo version(sharpness). For reference the kit 55-200 gets 4.5 for sharpness.

My copy is a DL version, gets a 3.7 for sharpness at Dyxum, the sharpness falls off close to 300mm but the rest of the range is very useful and the colour is apparently quite good. For the $37.00 I paid for it, I'm happy. It's certainly not big money, and it's got macro to boot. I'll have a play and see how it goes. I'm sure if I don't like it, I can sell it off, at these prices I can afford to have a play. I will invest some decent money in a good wide angle, I would use it a lot there's some great sea scapes just down the road and some amazing sunsets with cliff's and backdrops where I live, a good wide angle would be at home with me.

I am still finding out what I like to shoot, I have no real preference for anything, the discovery process is good fun and I'm not at a serious point yet where I need a definitive lens line-up with particular focal lengths (some of my lenses overlap in focal lengths), I'm still playing, and doing it for peanuts. I know good glass is expensive for a reason, there is no substitute for good quality but for now I'm just enjoying it all.

Buying lenses is as good as taking the shots, the thrill of the chase for a bargain or the sheer indulgence when buying new.....either way, it's all good.

Xang writes...

I've only had it for a day =P
Haha fair enough!

Previously, my go-to low light lens was my 50/1.8
I've got the nifty fifty and also the 60mm f/2.8 Macro (which tends to be my preferred lens), but like you said, I really need something that is wider and also I can use without worrying about the sharpness.

Then theres dilemma of considering full frame or purchasing the 7D.
Why must there be so many options! I was told by a professional photographer friend, "Just buy the best you can afford so you wont regret needing to keep upgrading and upgrading later".

sed8ed writes...

For the $37.00 I paid for it, I'm happy.

For that much I'd say its worth it too.

So far I've only had to pay for a 28mm f1.8 which I managed to get for $160. Dad has covered the rest thus far. Its not my fault that he rarely uses his(my) gear.

-DaNieL- writes...

Then theres dilemma of considering full frame or purchasing the 7D

My 1000D, even though it is low-end, isn't really limiting me at all I think. I would love to have an extra dial on the back for my thumb ala xxD series, but it's not the be all and end all. I have found extra purchases such as the nifty fifty and a 430EX II to greatly expand my creativity/capability. I am hoping that these new lenses (along with a pair of Pocket Wizards I got at the same time) will do the same.

buy the best you can afford so you wont regret needing to keep upgrading and upgrading later

That's what I've tried to do with this purchase. Buy right, buy once ;)

-DaNieL- writes...

Then theres dilemma of considering full frame or purchasing the 7D.

That was a tough decision for me too but I decided to go with the 5D2 because even for my sports photos, I can track my subjects in action and capture the perfect moment. For me, it was more to do with the full frame and the better low light performance I can expect because of the larger CMOS sensor.

As for buying the best you can afford, I'm inclined to suggest buying what's best for your needs even if it means waiting a little longer to save up the cash. Because at least that way, you will have a camera for quite a number of years before you decide you need to upgrade. Before receiving my 5D2 yesterday, I've been using a 20D for 5 years. It was probably a little easier back then to decide than it was this time around but the principle is still the same for me. If I were to upgrade again in another 5 years, it will be another full frame.

Saving and buying good lenses is the way to go. You'll have them forever.
Bodies are a replaceable item in the long term.

WinkXr6T writes...

Bodies are a replaceable item in the long term.

They are but why settle for second best only to have to deal with selling something that has depreciated by such a large amount as they usually do? I say save up on the body first and then focus all money thereafter into lenses. I don't disagree with the fact that it's the lens that makes most of the photo but the body still counts for something.

My Canon 10-22 arrived yesterday. Took about 10 rough photos to make sure it works (ie not DOA) and am already in love with it. I have been disappointed with my kit lens in terms of IQ and I am so happy with how much better I have already found the 10-22 IQ to be at similar focal lengths (just need to practice framing with more thought to minimise distortion).

Now apart from getting my travel lens (for situations where getting the photo at all is more important than IQ) methinks I will start saving for a 17-55 (as well as a decent tripod, remote release, new computer for PP, an upgraded body ...... the list goes on)

-Bennie- writes...

What body are you putting this onto???

my old 350D
thanks

kimera writes...

just got a 24-105L f4 on friday, "potentially" for less than $1300 bnew

got it for a little less than $1400 from ted's and i'll claim gst for when i go on holiday in 2 weeks time

Can you post a scanned copy of your receipt?

I think $1,400 is the going price from Teds for the 24-105's that they pull out of 5D kits.

Look at you all, stimulating the economy. Such a shame I have to hold out on the expensive glass. I'm planning to get some fast glass next year around March/April.

Maybe a prime f/1.2 or a 70-200. *drool*