MAMA's Techno-Geek Thread

[kriation]

I apologize for cutting into the navigation discussion but where do you folks purchase all of your assorted camera accessories from (aside from the majors like Ritz and B&H)?

I finally broke down and bought an XTi yesterday with the Canon 18-55 lens, and a Quantaray 70-300 (verdict is still out on this one... I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it or return it). I also picked up a UV filter for each, and a polarizer for the Canon lens. Any advice on those who have the XTi (Brian??) on what else I should have in my bag of tricks.

I've been taking shots for most of the day today, and so far, I'm really impressed by what I see compared to the point and shoot I have.

Thanks!

-- Armen

[Pamlico]

Quote: Originally Posted by GadgetGav (original)

So the nuvi can't add a "via" point in the middle of a route..?

The Nuvi in the family belongs to our daughter so I can't immediately check it, but I believe it (at least the Nuvi 350) only allows one via point per route. Don't know about the newer models though. One of the reasons I like the 2610 is that I can use almost unlimited via points to chart the exact route I want to take.

Quote: Originally Posted by kriation (original)

I apologize for cutting into the navigation discussion but where do you folks purchase all of your assorted camera accessories from (aside from the majors like Ritz and B&H)?
-- Armen

I just ordered a Sigma 10-20 mm lens for my Canon dSLR. I've been searching prices for a couple of weeks and today found Norman Camera (NormanCamera.com) who had the best price by $50 and also included free shipping. Before ordering I looked at plices like reseller ratings, etc and found that the store has a very good reputation. I've also ordered stuff from Canoga Camera as well.

[blalor]

I used the nüvi pretty extensively today on the drive to Maine and back. You can have a single via point; if you're navigating a route and choose a new destination, it will ask you if you want to use that as a via point. If you then choose another, it will ask you if you want to replace your existing via point with the new one. The verbiage was very clear, which I appreciated. Maybe it's just where I had it mounted today, but the screen's not very polarizing-sunglasses-friendly; it takes on a dark, blue tinge. I can still see it, but nowhere near as clearly as without. My polarizing sunglasses are so G-ddamned uncomfortable, though, that it hardly matters. Finally, the windscreen suction cup dropped off the dash twice on the drive up this morning, but stayed put the rest of the trip on bumpy back roads and all the way back home on freeways.

I forgot to mention the other day that the nüvi doesn't come with a printed manual. It comes with a *stack* of quick-start guides (for at least 10 languages), but no manual. Frankly, I find that inexcusable for *any* device, let alone one costing nearly $700!

Congrats on the new camera, Armen, and I'm glad you got the picture that Canon is the One True Camera. Where'd you buy it? Sheena said something about a "mall"? If you're not already familiar with them, check out Hunt Photography in Melrose. Only been there once, but they were very helpful, and their prices were reasonable, if not rock-bottom low.

You're off to a good start with the filters and the long lens! Josh and I both have the Sigma 70-300mm lens (which also doubles as a macro lens between 200 and 300mm). I paid about $200 for that. You're welcome to borrow it if you'd like to compare it to your Quantaray. Quantaray rings a bell, but I can't say I've come across the brand recently... Get a remote release, and a tripod if you haven't already. I've got several pieces of Bogen/Manfrotto kit and am very happy with it. They're not the cheapest on the market, but far from the most expensive, and are well-built. I'm fairly certain I could jack up my MINI with the tripod... I've become something of a quick-release plate addict; Bogen makes a $30 quick-release adapter that screws onto any support device that screws into the camera. I've got two of those and will probably add a third; they're that handy. Get a handful of CF cards and at least two batteries. I've seen lots of people recommend against getting one or a few *really* big CF cards, so you don't have all your eggs in one basket should one card crap out. I've got three 2G cards and that's a good fit for me.

Crumpler makes nice bags that don't look like camera bags. Find a good way to clean your filters, and then let me know what it is; all of mine are now smudged and I haven't been able to clean them satisfactorily.

Check out Practical Photography. It's a British magazine and very good (and very expensive...). Why is it that the UK mags are so much better than ours??

My current lens arsenal consists of the 18-55mm kit lens, the Canon 50mm ƒ/1.8 "nifty fifty" (a steal at $70), a Sigma 70-300mm (the newer APO DG one), and the Canon 10-22mm super-wide angle lens. I think the 18-55mm range is a really nice one, and I've toyed with the idea of getting the 18-55mm ƒ/2.8 IS lens (to the tune of a cool grand) because I think I'd use it more than any of the others. I'm happy with all of them, but have been using the 10-22 the most lately. The Sigma seems quite good for the price.

*whew* Was that a long enough post?

[bethandlouis]

Since we camera talking. Last night when returning from our trip to North Conway I walked to the mailbox and heard from the garage a bang and an, "that wasn't supposed to happen" from Louis. We stopped to take a picture of a sign and he took of his EF 50mm f/1.4 prime lens off. Because it was a roadside stop he didn't put it away and picked up the camera bag that the lens was sitting on. It made a tumble to the garage floor. No UV filter on it. But....seems to be O.K. I like happy endings that don't equal me spending another $300 on glass

[blalor]

I know how you feel. I quite literally skipped my 50mm across the kitchen floor a couple of weeks ago; I bobbled it and in trying to catch it merely propelled it even further. It's a *really* cheaply constructed lens (hey, what do you want for $70?) but it still seems to work fine! I've invested a bit of money in glass and I think I need to make sure I'm insured against my own tendencies toward disaster.

[GadgetGav]

Louis = 50mm f1.4
Brian = 50mm f1.8

Difference = 0.4 and $230..!!!



Armen,
If you can still return it, I'd say send back the Quantaray lens. I bought one of their teleconverters because it was much cheaper than the Canon, but it's junk. It causes loads of chromatic abberation (colored halos around dark objects against a light background) so I olny used it once. I'd have been better putting the money towards a 'real' converter. If their other lenses are made the same way, it's easy to see where they save the money. If you have any doubts about it, take it back. Sorry
You'll probably want a 300 range in your bag though. As well as the recommendations for the Sigma, I'd say check out the Canon 70-300 IS lens. I have one of those and the image stabilizer is really helpful for shooting at 300mm hand held. I've also got a 28-105 that I tend to keep on there as my 'walking around' lens now rather than the kit lens. The kit lens has useful extra at the low end though, so I keep it around. The 10-22 is a cool lens and can produce some really interesting shots, but I've found borrowing one is good enough for the few time I really need it..! Of course, if you can afford the L series in anything you're looking at, you won't go wrong..!
As for where to buy, check out the flea market area on Digital Grin. Here's a link to the Canon area;
House of Canon - Digital Grin Photography Forum
I bought my 28-105 from someone on there. They are all camera nuts, so they look after gear.
Other than that, the usual places that have already been mentioned. Adorama is another one I always check on the web and Calumet photo in Cambridge is an alternative to Hunts. Hunts also has a small showroom in Harvard Sq. I don't know Hunt's price policy, but Calumet will price match to bricks and mortar places.
Also, I haven't tried them yet, but the rental places ziplens.com and rentglass.com look like a good deal for a lens you only need for a particular event.

[jwardell]

Wow this thread has been busy over the weekend!

I tried to dig up my camcorder over the weekend after washing my car to take some video of water drying (hah) for wax test purposes, but I couldn't find it. Last known use at MOT, but not in my MOT shoebox (which still has the kite and wireless videocamera). I think I remember taking it out since I moved, but I couldn't find it. Didn't have time to dig around my basement much. Apparently it is more valuable than I think because it has features I would assume standard such as mic and line level inputs, and live AV<->firewire dubbing.

Brian the click you're hearing in the video are the lens cap flailing wildly, and occasionally my homemade mount and its screws flexing around. It's a car not a recording studio!

Why is you video so pixelated? Looks like you scaled it down then back up again or something wierd.

[NoNo]

Quote: Originally Posted by kriation (original)

I apologize for cutting into the navigation discussion but where do you folks purchase all of your assorted camera accessories from (aside from the majors like Ritz and B&H)?

I finally broke down and bought an XTi yesterday with the Canon 18-55 lens, and a Quantaray 70-300 (verdict is still out on this one... I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it or return it). I also picked up a UV filter for each, and a polarizer for the Canon lens. Any advice on those who have the XTi (Brian??) on what else I should have in my bag of tricks.

I've been taking shots for most of the day today, and so far, I'm really impressed by what I see compared to the point and shoot I have.

Thanks!

-- Armen

Canon?! After our discussion? How could you?! I see how it is!

[jwardell]

Ignoring Annette is always a good choice.
Does that Nikon have a CVT?

[MGB Boy]

Quote: Originally Posted by GadgetGav (original)

If you can still return it, I'd say send back the Quantaray lens. I bought one of their teleconverters because it was much cheaper than the Canon, but it's junk. It causes loads of chromatic abberation (colored halos around dark objects against a light background) so I olny used it once. I'd have been better putting the money towards a 'real' converter.

Quantaray is the Ritz "house brand" item, most of their lenses are typically re-badged Sigmas from the low-end of their range (I'm told that a couple models are low-end Tamrons, but the majority are Sigmas). I've got a couple Tamron teleconverters I've been pleased with, they do a good job and cost a fair bit less than the Canon equivalents...

-Ricardo

[kriation]

Quote: Originally Posted by blalor (original)

Congrats on the new camera, Armen, and I'm glad you got the picture that Canon is the One True Camera. Where'd you buy it? Sheena said something about a "mall"? If you're not already familiar with them, check out Hunt Photography in Melrose. Only been there once, but they were very helpful, and their prices were reasonable, if not rock-bottom low.

You're off to a good start with the filters and the long lens! Josh and I both have the Sigma 70-300mm lens (which also doubles as a macro lens between 200 and 300mm). I paid about $200 for that. You're welcome to borrow it if you'd like to compare it to your Quantaray. Quantaray rings a bell, but I can't say I've come across the brand recently... Get a remote release, and a tripod if you haven't already. I've got several pieces of Bogen/Manfrotto kit and am very happy with it. They're not the cheapest on the market, but far from the most expensive, and are well-built. I'm fairly certain I could jack up my MINI with the tripod... I've become something of a quick-release plate addict; Bogen makes a $30 quick-release adapter that screws onto any support device that screws into the camera. I've got two of those and will probably add a third; they're that handy. Get a handful of CF cards and at least two batteries. I've seen lots of people recommend against getting one or a few *really* big CF cards, so you don't have all your eggs in one basket should one card crap out. I've got three 2G cards and that's a good fit for me.

Crumpler makes nice bags that don't look like camera bags. Find a good way to clean your filters, and then let me know what it is; all of mine are now smudged and I haven't been able to clean them satisfactorily.

Check out Practical Photography. It's a British magazine and very good (and very expensive...). Why is it that the UK mags are so much better than ours??

My current lens arsenal consists of the 18-55mm kit lens, the Canon 50mm ƒ/1.8 "nifty fifty" (a steal at $70), a Sigma 70-300mm (the newer APO DG one), and the Canon 10-22mm super-wide angle lens. I think the 18-55mm range is a really nice one, and I've toyed with the idea of getting the 18-55mm ƒ/2.8 IS lens (to the tune of a cool grand) because I think I'd use it more than any of the others. I'm happy with all of them, but have been using the 10-22 the most lately. The Sigma seems quite good for the price.

Thanks Brian! I ended up making the purchase at Ritz. At the time, they were the only real vendor that I felt purchasing a camera through (plus, I picked up an additionally warranty just in case) The salesperson was really thorough and gave me reasons (albeit his subjective ones) to make the purchases that I did. So far, I'm quite happy with the entire kit, although I'm starting to notice the limitations with the Quantaray glass. I had trouble with AF while using it, but once switched to manual, the results were respectable. I'm going to play around with it for a couple more days though to see what I plan to do...

It's funny that you mention Bogen. My parents have at least one Bogen unit that they really like, and have been using for years (they have a K1000 that still takes great photos even after 20+ years in the family, and traveling through 15+ countries in that time). I have a small unit that I use when taking pictures of my models, but I'm definitely going to need one when doing night shots, or track events. ;-) I just have to select one that will stand up to my abuse.

I checked out the Crumpler bags last night, and they look great! Are they as functional and easy to use? If so, I'll definitely look into picking one up. Thanks for the suggestion.

It seems as if I'm diving into another hobby that's going to cost me an arm and a leg in the long run, but will provide quite a bit of enjoyment. I'm really looking forward to learning and sharing with all of you.

[kriation]

Quote: Originally Posted by GadgetGav (original)

Armen,
If you can still return it, I'd say send back the Quantaray lens. I bought one of their teleconverters because it was much cheaper than the Canon, but it's junk. It causes loads of chromatic abberation (colored halos around dark objects against a light background) so I olny used it once. I'd have been better putting the money towards a 'real' converter. If their other lenses are made the same way, it's easy to see where they save the money. If you have any doubts about it, take it back. Sorry
You'll probably want a 300 range in your bag though. As well as the recommendations for the Sigma, I'd say check out the Canon 70-300 IS lens. I have one of those and the image stabilizer is really helpful for shooting at 300mm hand held. I've also got a 28-105 that I tend to keep on there as my 'walking around' lens now rather than the kit lens. The kit lens has useful extra at the low end though, so I keep it around. The 10-22 is a cool lens and can produce some really interesting shots, but I've found borrowing one is good enough for the few time I really need it..! Of course, if you can afford the L series in anything you're looking at, you won't go wrong..!
As for where to buy, check out the flea market area on Digital Grin. Here's a link to the Canon area;
House of Canon - Digital Grin Photography Forum
I bought my 28-105 from someone on there. They are all camera nuts, so they look after gear.
Other than that, the usual places that have already been mentioned. Adorama is another one I always check on the web and Calumet photo in Cambridge is an alternative to Hunts. Hunts also has a small showroom in Harvard Sq. I don't know Hunt's price policy, but Calumet will price match to bricks and mortar places.
Also, I haven't tried them yet, but the rental places ziplens.com and rentglass.com look like a good deal for a lens you only need for a particular event.

Thanks for the advice Gavin! I know I really would like to have a 300 lens in my collection. The short time that I played around with the Quantaray glass for, I was impressed at what it had to offer (from a zoom perspective). I'll admit the macro feature also came in handy. I'll have to experiment more with it (under different lighting conditions) but I'm leaning towards replacing it with a much better component from what I've read, and heard.

I really appreciate the Digital Grin link. I can only imagine how much I'm going to dump on glass, and other assorted accessories soon.

... and I apologize to everyone for not multi-quoting my responses. I'm at work, and way too lazy to go through each one. :-P

[kriation]

Quote: Originally Posted by NoNo (original)

Canon?! After our discussion? How could you?! I see how it is!

LoL - Oh Annette. Don't take it personally. The Canon just fit better to what I was looking for.

[snid]

I'm another Crumpler bag fan. Not much to add beyond that...

okay, I guess I'm also a fan for prime (fixed focal length) lenses. The cheap-ass 50mm is a great one to start with. but I find that I use the 35mm f/2.0 more often. It's a much better quality lens that the 50mm, as the prices indicate - $70 vs $230. And with my camera's 1.6x crop factor, the 35mm lens winds up being closer to "normal". Actually, I wish I had a slightly wider than normal lens. That's what I use most often with my medium format camera. But what you prefer may be very different from what I prefer.

For walking around and taking pictures, normal to slightly wider than normal works well for me. For "action" photography, zoom is where it's at. I rarely use a tripod, fast lenses and steady hands instead. A tripod would help, but it's one more thing to buy and carry around.

[blalor]

Crap, looks like I need to quote the entire page.

Is ƒ/1.4 to ƒ/1.8 a full ƒ-stop? (yes, I like typing "ƒ"; it ƒeels ƒunky ) I tried to do the math and didn't have much luck. 1/(1.8) = 0.556 (or so) and 1/(1.4) = 0.714; wouldn't a full stop double the value? Looks like that's more along the lines of half a stop.

Sounds like that Quantaray's similar to the Sigma. Does it have a switch to go macro only between 200mm and 300mm? If so, it sounds nearly identical. Wonder if it's the APO version? IS would be nice, and Sigma does now have a single IS lens, but I didn't want to spend the extra on what I figure will not be my most-used lens. I like the results I'm getting with it, though, so that could change... The AF motor on the Sigma I've got isn't particularly smooth or quiet, and it'll hunt a little in tough situations. By comparison, the USM on my 10-22mm Canon's like buttah. Mmmmm, buuuuttahhhh....

DigitalGrin looks like a *really* great forum. Will I get ostracized for only having a Flickr account? They seem to be pretty heavy into SmugMug.

I went to Calumet in Cambridge, I think, and was pretty unimpressed. Not much in the way of selection. Hunt's had much more on the floor, and the guy who helped me really earned his commission. They've got a good selection of Crumpler bags, too, as I recall. Cameraland here in Nashua also has Crumpler bags. Maybe I was looking in the wrong places in Indianapolis, but I had to order my bags from Canada and Ohio! Did we already mention B&H? I've bought quite a bit from them recently. I'm dealing with my first return, now, so we'll see how that goes. They seem to be pretty orthodox Jewish there, so they're closed for the first week of April and every Saturday. It's kind of funny, but I respect them for that. More places should shut down for family and religious observance. Probably helps that they make a killing, too, I'm sure.

Josh, not sure why my video's pixelated; you're talking about the bigger ones hosted at fastmail.fm, right? Not the itty-bitty one I posted to my blog the other day? Must be something I'm doing wrong exporting from iMovie, as they're both the same and from different cameras. They look more like they need to be deinterlaced or something to me.

Annette, please give me a heads up the next time we all get together. I want to take cover before you go off on Josh!

K1000 == Pentax, right? I think I used one of those in high school. It's probably still around, too!

I've got two (well, three) Crumpler bags: a 4 Million Home, Moderate Embarrassment, and a Considerable Embarrassment (I think; the embarrassments are laptop bags and the smaller one's for sale!). I've outgrown the $4M Home, but I'll use it when I can manage to pack light (ha!). Honestly, it's a little fussy at times because of the way the trimmed opening will catch on the hotshoe, but that could just be how I've got the bag configured. It's really well built and looks sharp and I'm planning on buying a backpack (laptop/camera combo for traveling this summer) and larger camera bag from them this year.

I've read about people who really love the 85mm lens for portraits and the like, even on the crop bodies, but I just don't see how! The 50mm is too long most of the time for me, and the 70mm zoom at its shortest is even worse. I'd probably find myself standing outside most of the time with the 85mm just to get the subject in the frame!