Let's talk photography...

[jmkarcz]

Yeah, I miss Al, hope I didn't offend him in some way. If I didn't take the 991 system so seroiusly, I'd call and report him missing while he was working. - Goofy, yet serious reefer with photography fetish, and a cat... last seen... or heard from while he was freaking out about having a zoo in his basement...


I stopped last night an bought a magazine at Barnes and Noble. I looked breifly at books, but was quickly overwhelmed. I will proly take the Russian Rullete way out and turn on 1 click buying at Amazon and buy one over there.

Thanks for the help...

Oh... one last thing, should I put much stock in the 18-55mm and 17-85mm package deals at B+H? or should I just go 18-55mm?



Jason

 

[nellie54914]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6623565#post6623565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmkarcz
My money tree has come into bloom. And I am about to harvest it.

Hey Jason, I can come up and help you with the harvest any time, I will even bring my own bushel basket!

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6630999#post6630999 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmkarcz


Oh... one last thing, should I put much stock in the 18-55mm and 17-85mm package deals at B+H? or should I just go 18-55mm?



Jason

Well, the 18-55mm lens tacks on about $90 to the price tag and the 17-85mm IS tacks on about $460. Honestly I haven't heard that many good things about the 17-85mm IS. You can read some reviews on it here 17-85mm IS Reviews

IS(image stabilization) is a cool feature, but I honestly think you should stick with the kit lens for now since it is so cheap yet performs decent for a beginner. Hell, I still have mine! You can always sell it for about $70 later on when you decide to get a new lens.

I also recommend this memory card. And its your lucky day because there is a $20 rebate at BHphotovideo.com
Sandisk 1 GB Extreme III Compact Flash Card

 

[jmkarcz]

I'll call you when my tax tree blooms in 2 months...

I was wondering how long it would take someone....

This is the first year I'm dialing back my tanks and stuff, so I have extra money to throw at a camera.

Jason

 

[mako56]

Hey Jason, I got the camera itch about October last year. With the Canon rebates going on I went a little nuts here. I got a EOS 20D body, the EFS 17-85mm kit lens, a Canon Macro Lens EF 100mm 1:2.8 USM, and a Canon zoom lens EF 70-200mm 1:4 L USM. Should get a nice rebate from Canon oh ya I got a Canon printer too. I don't know how to use it very well yet but it works for the camera impaired too :lol: :rolleye1: . Here is a shot I took of a coral and my baby clowns with the macro lens.

Someday I will learn what I am doing and get some great shots. There is just soooooooooooo much to learn.

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6644396#post6644396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mako56
Hey Jason, I got the camera itch about October last year. With the Canon rebates going on I went a little nuts here. I got a EOS 20D body, the EFS 17-85mm kit lens, a Canon Macro Lens EF 100mm 1:2.8 USM, and a Canon zoom lens EF 70-200mm 1:4 L USM. Should get a nice rebate from Canon oh ya I got a Canon printer too. I don't know how to use it very well yet but it works for the camera impaired too :lol: :rolleye1: . Here is a shot I took of a coral and my baby clowns with the macro lens.


Someday I will learn what I am doing and get some great shots. There is just soooooooooooo much to learn.

How do you like the 70-200 F4 L? Thats a really awesome lens. I have one too. I've never taken a bad picture with it yet! The only annoying thing is that its long and its white and people look at your weird when you use it. :rollface:

 

[jmkarcz]

WOW MAKO! I was still living on that pic that Aberg had of the spider this past summer, the one he found in his new home. I was impressed that you could see all (ALL) the eyes. and very clearly. If you don't mind me asking, where'd you pick yours up?

I've been watching your baby clown pics for a while...most are impressive for someone who is learning - that's why I'm so excited too try...to learn.

That and I've always wanted a great camera, except I didn't want to have to pay to develop all the pics while I learned.

Jason

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

Dell has their coupon codes available again. Jason, if you dont mind waiting, you might want to go this route, although Dell takes a long time to ship.

Just go to the Dell website, add the item to the cart and checkout. During checkout there is a 'Apply coupon' text box where you can cut and paste the coupon code for the item. That's it. You get the amount deducted from the total and you're done.


Canon 20D with 18-55 8Mpixel $1599 - 25% off coupon code: NRR05CM7J0HV4Q Exp 2/4 6am CT or after 430 uses = $1199.25 shipped free.

Canon Rebel XT Body Black 8Mpixel digital SLR $899 - 20% off couponCode: 9ZCM0SBPP7V1MX Exp 2/4 5:59am CT or 250 uses = $719.20 shipped free.

Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens $611.95 - 15% off coupon
Code: ?P3TDK5XVBSCLT Exp 2/4 5:59am CT or 125 uses = $520.16 shipped free.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 USM Zoom Lens $799 - 20% off coupon
Code: F74ZHFLBFL4HV7 Exp 2/4 5:59am CT or 125 uses = $679.15 shipped free.

Canon Speedlite 430EX Flash $299 - 15% off coupon
Code: 90Q4GTR4LPDGM7 Exp 2/4 5:59am CT or 85 uses = $254.15 shipped free.



Limited number of uses, so get yours fast if you need them.

 

[mako56]

Debaser, haven't really used it much yet and I don't really know how to anyway but the camera pretty much takes good pictures all on its own. I wonder if the Canon rebate would still work if you got it from Dell That would be an awesome deal.

Jason, I got my camera from a guy on ebay I paid $1465.00 for the kit, shipping, and insurance but like I said I got the 17-85mm lens a bit more expensive. The camera does it all by itself someday I will learn some of the things this camera can do and be able to do better. I think it is a cool camera I have a Sony DSC S70 and that one works good to if you don't want to catch something right away that really ****ed me off sometimes. This one is instant and can do like I don't even know how many in a row it just goes click click click. I am happy with it.

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6650513#post6650513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mako56
Debaser, haven't really used it much yet and I don't really know how to anyway but the camera pretty much takes good pictures all on its own.

You have a $600 lens and you don't even know how to use it? :lol:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6650513#post6650513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mako56
I wonder if the Canon rebate would still work if you got it from Dell That would be an awesome deal.

I don't know but I'm going to find out. I just bought the 10-22 EF-S today.

 

[mako56]

You have a $600 lens and you don't even know how to use it?

So you think thats funny huh well all three of them are 450 - 600 and I don't know how to use any of them. :lol: :lol: :lol: Thats really funny but I am learning.

 

[jmkarcz]

I really REALLY need to sit down and compare some deals. I know TJ likes the sandisk card above, but I usually look at PRICEWATCH.COM and they start at 50$ for a 1 gig, I just have to compare the speeds of the cards.

TJ, Don't laugh to hard, I will be doing the same thing... Except I bought a photagraphy book that is older than you, and I'll loan it to Mako when I'm done. ;D

I have no formal photography schooling, and all those #'s on the lens are still a mystry, but I reread the page till it makes sence.

JAson

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

Jason

I bought the Sandisk 1 GB Extreme III Compact Flash Card because it is the fastest card, and I figured the camera would have the best write speeds with a card this fast. A lot of people on my photography forum recommended it to me. I usually use pricewatch too. Whatever you do don't buy some no-name compact flash card. I'll try to find a compact flash card review.

Good idea on buying a book. Actually, I just bought Brian Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" revised edition off of Ebay. It was $15 and its a GREAT book. Link to book

I never took a photography class, but basically taught myself by doing a ton of reading and practicing. You can learn so much by joining a photography forum and asking questions. Everyone is eager to help.

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

Also, if you have a question about what the lenses mean, just ask me.

There are two different types of lenses. Zoom lenses and prime lenses.

18-55mm, 70-200mm are examples of focal ranges of the zoom lenses. If there is just one number listed, like 20mm, 50mm or 100mm, then the lens does NOT zoom and it is considered a PRIME lens. Prime lenses are usually VERY sharp lenses.

I just wanted to point that out because I was always confused why some lenses only had one focal length listed and some had a range.

EF means it will fit on all canon cameras. EF-S means it will only fit on the Digital Rebel(300D), Digital Rebel XT(350D), and the 20D cameras.

L means the lens is of professional grade and usually very costly

IS means Image Stabilization which is usually very costly but helps you get a sharper picture when not using a tripod

F means Fstop and this is going to be confusing for you. Better read up on it

 

[jmkarcz]

I started, but I think I'll try again after a few drinks... Please don't take my last message personally. I found last yearthat i don't understand Reef chemistry... AT ALL. I've been struggling with it for this last year, some things are better, others are not so good. But I'm learning.

If I use caps... I'm not yelling... I'm emphasizing something. I never yell. I work in a unix based environment at work and everything is caps, it's more clear that way.

That last bit was most helpful. I also forgot to take EBAY into consideration. I devote a few minutes each day to each of my projects. Learning about or researching cameras, figuring out what wrong in my tanks (all 4 systems) and then being Dad tonight. I have the $ set aside, and should jump, before I end up doing something else.

I appreciate you help (and now Mike, ) so muc, words cannot describe, after I do something (buy it) we'll have to get together for a steak or something... my treat.

(while Nellie is harvesting my money tree)

Jason

p.s. I really liked that 70mm-300mm lens you pointed out. my book... shows the different zoom distances as applied to a stadium, and the 300mm shows as if you were on the side lines, shooting accross the field, and to the top of the press box (up about 40 rows of bleachers) to ee a couple standing on top of the building. That's more like I was thinking.

Oh yeah, You want to buy a clown that is at least 1/2 or less the size of your current one. don't attempt it anyother way. Watch petco they seen to have a few, and Coral boy got me a beautiful one. You remember how big mine are. And the BIG ones are the females. A maroon left by itself for to lonf becomes a female, regardless of size. And remember what I showed you about the big jar.

Other clowns to consider, Skunks and possible saddlebacks. and maybe a Fireclown (see Abergs Avatar) Most other damsels, though Chromis, Green or Blue are great schoolers. I would wait to add 2 pairs until you move into that 120. I really like angels, like the pygmy, but it's a personal taste thing. What do you want onyour whopper?


You should join chris and I at the DIY corner, we're gonna build that Ca reactor for our reefs.


ME - Again

 

[mako56]

I could see joining in the calcium reactor build. Not much help with the camera stuff here though. There is a really an awesome rebate on some canon stuff but it has to be post marked by February 6th but it works like you buy one thing like the D20 and you get $100.00 you buy something else and you double the rebate on both items you buy three and you triple it. I spent like $2800.00 on the printer, camera, and the two lens but should get like $510.00 back. That's why I was wondering if you bought from Dell if you still got Canon's rebate. I gota check when I get home but I think that is the disk I got for the camera too I found them on sale with a rebate too. The reef chemistry thing is still way out there for me too and not getting to much better. Its working so I keep doing what I am doing just need to figure out how to keep my ph up. Hers a pic of my Mama.

analyze away.

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

I cant wait to get another maroon for my tank. I still have that poor True Percula I need to find a home for. I feel so bad that he's in a hang on refugium.

Jason, I have come to the conclusion that I'm going to sell my 120 gallon tank. I just dont have the money to stick into it, especially with me getting so much into photography. Plus I have alot of things I want to do with our new house and what not. I'm thinking of upgrading my 29 gallon to a 55 gallon or even a 75 gallon, but 75 being the limit. Let me know if you or anyone is interested in the 120. its still in the AGA box! I think I'll post again in the main forums.

 

[jmkarcz]

I was getting 2 percs from Sidd, they should be here next week. But if you wanna give me a good $ on him, I'd move him into the fuge on the 75, theres like 15 gallons of water in there and lotsa cheato that's not growing well. I'd try to add him to the 2 from Sidd. Eventually I'd find him a mate. I added alot of rock to thoes 40 gall's and He'd be happy. I'm working on getter lighting, but their FO anyway.


I have that 75, if your interested, I would drill it out and put in an overflow, and bulkheads... if you wanted to talk swap. We'd have to figure out how many dollars I'd have to throw into the bottom of the tank to make them "Weight" the same. (No promises just yet, as I have a self imposed moritorium on new tanks in my house until I get rid of more- we're having water issues.) Otherwise, I was going to drill it out, and swap it for that 30 gallon reef in my basement. (Then I'd have 2 @ 30 gallons to get rid of.)

Your 120 is drilled in the corners, Right?

Mako, I was reading a thread in the Central Wi Area, where Scarduci had a link to a guy in Canada, who was building a larger reef tank. I though I saw your name scroll across the screen. His tank had the black egg crate (2 squares high) that was glued to the top of his overflow. He added gutter guard, but the egg crate broke off anyway. I thought he mentioned that he got some acrylic "fingers" for the top of the overflow from you... did you machine those?

Jason

 

[jmkarcz]

Mako, Tj had asked about creating a pair of maroons, I have 5 pairs, 1 was bought as a pair, made the other 4. He had also asked about puting other clowns in with maroons, I used to have a pair of skunks in with my maroons. Now I have a pair of skunks in with a pair of tomatoes.

Nice pic. Did you see the one in my gallery? She is guarding that coffee cup...I still have her... almost 3 years.... Think that pair came from the OCEAN. (ref to Nemo). After last years tsunami, maroons have dropped off a bit in the stores, now mostly tank raised are available. Most maroons come from that area of the world. - Or so I've been told.

Jason

 

[FlipFlops24/7]

I'd be intersted in the 75 gallon. I paid $370 with tax for the 120, and since it's never been used, I'm looking to get atleast $330 for it. Yes, its drilled, but I think its drilled from the bottom. I'll take pictures tonight. Its a reef ready All-Glass with 2 black overflows. Otherwise I can just sell the 120 and buy the 75 off of you, plus pay you for drilling it and building me one of those awesome black overflows you are so good at making

How long is the 75? 48"?




post updated at 9:08am