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Author Topic: Time to spend cash  (Read 7019 times)

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« on: April 23, 2008, 12:39 »
0
So, its that time of year for me to go out and spend some serious cash on equipment I probably should be getting, but here is the initial list that I am going to order:

Canon Telephoto EF 500mm f/4.0L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens

Wimberley Gimbal Type Tripod Head II - with Arca Swiss-Type Quick Release Base
(Requires Plate)

Wimberley P40 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate for Telephoto Lenses - 5.9" (150mm)

Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens

Hoya 58mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Haze Multi-Coated Glass Filter

Canon EF 1.4x II Extender

Canon 2x II Extender EF - Autofocus

Case Logic SLRC-4 SLR/Computer Backpack - for Photo or Digital SLR Outfit with a 15.4"
Laptop Computer, plus accessories

Now, I have to ask those who use such materials whether they believe that the Canon 2x II is worth it.  As well, I currently own a 100-400L but is the 500mm that much better for wildlife and sports

The 500mm will obviously be limited for stock and such but my passion is wildlife - especially birds - so thats why I want it.

I also own a 30D so I will lose autofocus with that lens (planning on a 5D MK II upgrade)

I'm thinking of dropping the 50mm f/1.4 and the 2x until then

Any suggestions?


« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2008, 13:18 »
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I'm Nikon so I don't know about Canon specifics.  600 is the norm for wildlife photographers.  An extender will slow you down by a couple of stops, but is certainly a good option when you begin talking about that kind of money.  If you are shooting birds as you say, it should be enough light because you will see them out in the sun.  Large animals usually stick in the bush until shortly before sunset, and you will really be bumping up your ISO.

How bright is your 100-400?  Can you get by with this an the extender?  A note about extenders - a lot complain that they aren't as sharp, especially at infinity. 

My Nikon extender doesn't fit on all of my Nikon lenses, so before you splurge on the Canon extender, just check that it is compatible with all the lenses you expect to use it with. 

I've never used a flash extender, but supposedly all the nature photographers use them.  Here's one that Moose Peterson recommends.  If you don't visit his site regularly and nature interests you, you should visit.

http://www.moosepeterson.com/gear/betterbeamer.html

« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2008, 11:12 »
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ichiro17 -

The one item that you do not have on the list is a good heavy tripod (maybe you alrady have one).  I have been shooting long lenses 500 and 600 mm for a long time and the tripod will help your success rate.  With IS you can getaway with a lighter tripod.  The Canon 500 f4 is an extremely good lens and sharper than the 600 so I think you are making an excellent choice there.

I am a Nikon shooter, but I have looked at imae from friends that have used the Canon teleconverters and they are amazingly good so the teleconverters are a good investment.  My reccomendation is to use the 500 without teleconverters initially, as the learning curve to use good long lense technique is pretty steep - be patient read online about some of the tricks of the trade in using the long lens.

The Better Beamer is a good investment and only costs about $40.

Scott

« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2008, 22:13 »
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I read about the better beamer.  Was looking into it as well.  The initial investment just keeps on growing (and I realize that this lens won't be much good for stock so the return on it financially might not be very good - however its a personal choice)


« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2010, 15:07 »
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So, its that time of year for me to go out and spend some serious cash on equipment I probably should be getting, but here is the initial list that I am going to order:

Canon Telephoto EF 500mm f/4.0L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens

Wimberley Gimbal Type Tripod Head II - with Arca Swiss-Type Quick Release Base
(Requires Plate)

Wimberley P40 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate for Telephoto Lenses - 5.9" (150mm)

Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens

Hoya 58mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Haze Multi-Coated Glass Filter

Canon EF 1.4x II Extender

Canon 2x II Extender EF - Autofocus

Case Logic SLRC-4 SLR/Computer Backpack - for Photo or Digital SLR Outfit with a 15.4"
Laptop Computer, plus accessories

Now, I have to ask those who use such materials whether they believe that the Canon 2x II is worth it.  As well, I currently own a 100-400L but is the 500mm that much better for wildlife and sports

The 500mm will obviously be limited for stock and such but my passion is wildlife - especially birds - so thats why I want it.

I also own a 30D so I will lose autofocus with that lens (planning on a 5D MK II upgrade)

I'm thinking of dropping the 50mm f/1.4 and the 2x until then

Any suggestions?


It's all fine... But, instead of that 500mm you may buy 7D or even cheaper 550D and put your 100-400L on it... With crop body you get 60% more on distance as well deeper DOF... 3MP less is close to nothing. I think it is better investment than just that 500mm which you will use only for birds.
Also, You may consider Mk IV if you need more resolution... It is 1.3 Crop but pricey. Nevertheless you get 30% more distance and deeper DOF with good 'old' 100-400L.
« Last Edit: May 05, 2010, 15:11 by Albert Martin »

« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2010, 15:14 »
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I would skip the extenders.  They just make shooting darker, harder to focus or turn off the auto focus all together.  They also reduce your minimum aperature.  I think a better solution is just to upsize.

I did a blog post on this earlier
http://simplefoto.com/news-editorial/camera-gear/upsize-vs-extender/

If you still want to buy an extender I have a couple for sale :)

RacePhoto

« Reply #6 on: May 05, 2010, 15:44 »
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Yes, two suggestions. Take a pass on the 2X if you are getting the 500mm and PM me so you can use my shipping address to receive your new purchases.  :)

You didn't say what you are using for your 50mm or short lens, so it would be impossible to answer that one. If you have a 1.8, why spend the money for what may be a very minor improvement?

Find a friend with a 1.4x and test drive one. You don't really lose the auto-focus if you tape the last three contacts, but it's hardly accurate or fast either. The camera won't write 700mm in the EXIF data, it will say 500mm on your shots, so you won't know when you had the extender on or not. Take notes or use one card for with the extender, one without, if you use the tape bypass for auto-focus with the extender.

Two years old post? Yikes!
« Last Edit: May 06, 2010, 00:31 by RacePhoto »

« Reply #7 on: May 05, 2010, 16:17 »
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Also, for cash that remaining you with not buying 500mm, you might find out that Canon lenses with TS-E marks are very interesting and bring in a totally new dimension in photos you make ;-)

Xalanx

« Reply #8 on: May 05, 2010, 16:28 »
0
I would swap the 50mm f/1.4 with the 50mm f/1.2L which is absolutely stunning.

I'm with Leaf on the TC matter. I wouldn't use them, especially if you're after BIF shoots and you need good autofocus.

« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2010, 17:14 »
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The thread started two years ago, so I wonder what ichiro got.   ;D

« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2010, 17:16 »
0
The thread started two years ago, so I wonder what ichiro got.   ;D

haha... good point  ;D

« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2010, 20:58 »
0
The thread started two years ago, so I wonder what ichiro got.   ;D

Yeah, really. Someone (and I mean you, Albert Martin) has a thing or two to learn about forum etiquette, that's for sure.

Xalanx

« Reply #12 on: May 06, 2010, 06:09 »
0
The thread started two years ago, so I wonder what ichiro got.   ;D

haha... good point  ;D

Unbelievable! I see dead people!

So he missed the 50mm f/1.2L. Such a shame...

« Reply #13 on: May 06, 2010, 17:17 »
0
Well... I thought it may be interesting to see how it can develop... And it worked nicely ;-)

lisafx

« Reply #14 on: May 06, 2010, 17:51 »
0
Looks like Albert Martin has become our newest resurrecter of old threads, like so many now silent alias's before him. 

Matt, that you again?   ::)

Dook


Dook

« Reply #16 on: May 06, 2010, 18:54 »
0
Put AstoneHans in your list!


« Reply #17 on: May 07, 2010, 02:29 »
0
Looks like Albert Martin has become our newest resurrecter of old threads, like so many now silent alias's before him. 

Matt, that you again?   ::)

Who is Matt?

lisafx

« Reply #18 on: May 07, 2010, 15:53 »
0
Lisa, this is  called old thread :P
http://www.microstockgroup.com/paid-established-microstock-services/payoneer-partnership-t2718/msg144947/?topicseen#new


ROFL!!  Quite a dust cloud being kicked up around here  :P

FWIW, I could see resurrecting the odd ancient thread if one actually has something of value to add, but just to make random irrelevant comments?  Kinda sad really...


 

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