Camera and Lenses
Camera
I had the 30D for a little over a year … GREAT camera … though, gadget side of my brain fully engaged, the day the 40D hit the street, I had one in my hands … I soon found the learning curve from the 30D to the 40D was steep (my opinion) … I have since attended schools, etc … and after a year with the 40D in my hand, I am just now comfortable with it … it was like the 30D had a mind of its own … turn the knobs, push the buttons and BOOM you got a decent photograph … though with the 40D, you need to fully engage the brain to get the results it is worthy of … I like me 40D!
Lenses
The first lens I bought … and it has taken me some time to appreciate its ability … fantastic walk-a-round lens … and an even better “bar room” lens; low light … just wish it was “IS” … to date, have taken 2,000+ photos with this lens … and the more I use it, the better my “keeper rate” improves … you just need to “work it” to get the results your after …
The second lens I bought … did not take it off my camera for three (3) months … I enjoy “street photography” … and, my opinion, this is the lens … you can sit back a good distance and grab some great shots … it has the range … it has the speed and it has IS … all of my “Faces of China” photographs were taken with this lens …
“Canon 28-300mm f3.5 / 5.6 IS”
The third lens I bought … heavy … YES … though I am a big person … 6′4″ / 230 Pounds and hands to match … the size and weight do not bother me at all … and the focal range this lens provides is what it is all about … it is a “day light” do all lens … I pulled some stats on my apertures … 70% of what I have photographed to date is >f3.5 … so, to me, a no brainer … this lens stays on my camera 70% of the time … I pull the 70-200 out in the morning / late evening and use the my 24-70 as needed … the 28-300 has become my favorite lens in short order … you are not going to miss a shot with this one …
Tripods / Heads
Tripods … I hate them … though, you are simply going to give up some good shots by not having one … and you are going to give up more good shots by not having a quality tripod … have spent enough on the low quality to pay for a high quality … so I made the purchase of what I consider a lifetime investment and picked up the “GITZO“ …
Lightweight … easy set-up … built for a lifetime …
Lightweight … self leveling … easy set-up … built for a lifetime …