Dont buy new stuff?

[Steve U]

My local camera shop has asked for a moderator to remove this thread, but my wife wants it printed and framed.

[HDNitehawk]

Steve; I had to think on this a bit but..
He only wants it removed because he wants you to buy new stuff...
and we know why the wife wants it framed

I have a feeling she wouldn't want you talking to me

[Steve U]

Yes you are a bad influence....
Of course Canon don't agree with that statement.

[jrw]

I am finding it interesting how this thread has migrated from purely a sharpness comparison to looking at so many other things that contribute to an improvement in lenses. On the new uber telephotos there is one other new feature that is an improvement. It won't show up in the photos but it will increase the number of acceptable shots. The Mode 3 for IS is something that makes it easier to consistently get the shots framed the way you want them. Is the new 300 a must have upgrade? Probably not for many owners of the original. That was, and still is, a very nice lens. Compared to the 300 f4 that I've had for some time, well that's another story. If I had the choice today of buying the original 300 or the new version, I am quite certain I'd go with the new version. The IQ is a bit better, it plays better with TCs which matters to me, IS is improved which with the lighter weight improves handholdability immensely, and the new paint colour would just seal the deal of course.

@Steve U I must have really lucked out with my wife. She still encourages me to buy new toys!!! Of course, she seldom asks what is written on the price tag and she frequently goes shopping after nudging me off the fence of indecision. Hmmm....

[Steve U]

Ahh bless her JRW, you're a lucky man.
I tried the, "what this old thing?" line the other day, but it didn't work on my new 15L Lowepro Flipside back pack. Mainly because it is a bright blue colour and is very hard to sneak past anyone with.
BTW, the back pack is very good, very light and very secure.
Oops and it is new stuff, so I am not following the example of OP Mickw. I'm trying but it's hard.

[HDNitehawk]

Steve shame on you for buying new stuff, a sack would have carried your gear just as well as that new bag. But you should remember to ask for plastic not paper when you get one from the store, the paper doesn't hold up as well in wet weather.

Or you could do like these "Pro's" do and just throw your gear on the ground when your not using it;



Nascar Photog 102 by hdnitehawk01, on Flickr

[Mickw]

I have a couple of questions for you guys

Can i ask you whats the best camera you have ever used, the most optically perfect lens setup?

On what basis/experience do you make the statement?

Mick

[Joel Eade]

I have a couple of questions for you guys

Can i ask you whats the best camera you have ever used, the most optically perfect lens setup?

On what basis/experience do you make the statement?

Mick

You will get a ton of different answers because there are so many ways that people use cameras and lenses. There are a myriad of goals and different ways to achieve them as well. That being said, I love bird photography the most and the best I have used is my current equipment: Canon 1D MKIV and Canon 500mm f/4L IS USM and Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS USM. The basis for that is the last 5 years I have been taking bird photos (several thousand) and for me this equipment, when used properly) produces the best images I have ever made. This system focuses fast, accurately and in low light. You can get great images with high ISO, the color, contrast and sharpness of the lenses cannot be beat. The 1DMKIV at 16 mpix is plenty for me, it will shoot more than 10 fps, holds 2 cards, shoots video, has built in vertical controls and on and on and....it's a great system.

[FastGass]

The best I have used personally would probably be my 50mm or 100mm primes, both are extremely sharp stopped down. The best that I know of is the new 300mm on a FF, check the ISO crops.

I know a lot of photographers that use 2x teleconverters, Juza is one example. I use one when I can't get close enough for a shot, it's better than cropping so I use it. I have the Minolta 600mm f/6.3 on a 60D so I know why bird photographers need 2x extenders for!

Edit.

I forgot to add, the bokeh does not change when using a teleconverter. You simply crop to acheive a longer focal length and narrower f/number, now if you get closer or used a longer lens with a faster aperture then you will be more background blur. In practice you will get less background in you image and usually a cleaner background which might appear to have more bokeh.

John.

[FastGass]

At Joel and HD,

Stop talking like that or you will push me over the edge! Seriously!

John.