Guess what I just ordered....

[cdifoto]

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L

AND

Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L


:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

(Can't wait till they arrive - coming from Norman Camera since B&H is closed...they were cheaper by $16 bucks including shipping at Norman anyway)

[ReValveiT]

Cool!

I have the 70-200, and I'm thinking hard about the 24-70 but there's such mixed reviews and I'm very cautious of it since I was burned badly w/ a seriously smelly copy of the 17-40L (yuk! What a shitty Lens!)

Can you do us a favour and give a full report on that one? Specially wide open! (something most 'reviewers' tend to forget, when to me, it's probably the single most important thing)

Well, congrats on the new toys! The 70-200 is just stunning!

[Vich]

:cool: :cool: :cool: Very very cool! :cool:

Would love to hear about the sharpness on that 24-70 since I'd heard mixed reports regarding that too. Everything else about it reported well.

That 70-200 f2.8 is just tops, even matching primes in many ways.

So, Bigma, 24-70, 70-200. Getting ready for a career move or simply putting your spare money where your interests are?

[Rex914]

Don't forget to cash in on those rebates. :)

[cdifoto]

Can you do us a favour and give a full report on that one? Specially wide open! (something most 'reviewers' tend to forget, when to me, it's probably the single most important thing)

Well, congrats on the new toys! The 70-200 is just stunning!

Sure will! I'm a tad excited to get 'em. It'll be a major step up from the kit lens (only thing I have that goes wide).

I'm thinking the EF-S 10-22 for my UWA for huge groups...but it'll have to be put off for a little...possibly Xmas or so.

[cdifoto]

:cool: :cool: :cool: Very very cool! :cool:

Would love to hear about the sharpness on that 24-70 since I'd heard mixed reports regarding that too. Everything else about it reported well.

That 70-200 f2.8 is just tops, even matching primes in many ways.

So, Bigma, 24-70, 70-200. Getting ready for a career move or simply putting your spare money where your interests are?

I'll definitely report back with samples. I won't do the whole brick wall tests (booorrrinnngg!) but I'll give some real life examples.

I'm already shooting *professionally* - local race track (sold prints to racers & fans & they want to hire me on next season as track photog/PR dood), local newspaper (sports primarily, did the University's Homecoming Parade as well), and I have a wedding on the 12th and an awards banquet for the track on the 19th of November.

I was also offered a job to design and maintain a website for one of the racing teams. I'll provide some of my photos as part of the fee if they want, or lower the fee and have them pay for photos...however they decide they want to do it.

Still broke because of constantly buying new/better gear, but I've almost got a complete arsenal as of this recent purchase. I want another 4GB Kingston Elite Pro CF card, vertical battery grip, and Sigma EF-500 DG Super + Lightsphere II for the 2nd XT though. Then maybe the EF-S 10-22mm for those large group shots that nothing else will work on. heh.

After that, I need some backdrops and strobe lights, but otherwise I'm gonna pretty much be set till I upgrade bodies.

[cdifoto]

Don't forget to cash in on those rebates. :)

Already got the form filled out! :D :eek:

[ReValveiT]

Brilliant! Sounds like you're doing really well! Good on ya.

And absolutely, "no brick walls!" on that 24-70 report!

[cdifoto]

Brilliant! Sounds like you're doing really well! Good on ya.

And absolutely, "no brick walls!" on that 24-70 report!

I'm doing ok...really well would mean the new lenses woulda been paid for in cash, rather than put on the 0% APR credit card...

HOWEVER...despite not being the most spectacular photographer out there, and not one that thinks bugs rear ends make great photos (think dpreview lol), people seem to like what I do. I'm doing this wedding ubercheap since it'll be my first, and it's just a fairly quick, ceremony + reception all in one kinda deal. Very informal, perfect for bustin' my Bridezilla cherry.

[ReF]

really interested in hearing what you think of the 24-70's AF speed. i really like my tamron 28-75 f2.8 but the AF speed and accuracy has me thinking of a canon L version all the time. also interested in how the image quality of the bigma between 300-500mm holds up against the 70-200 f2.8 at 200mm.

[cdifoto]

really interested in hearing what you think of the 24-70's AF speed. i really like my tamron 28-75 f2.8 but the AF speed and accuracy has me thinking of a canon L version all the time. also interested in how the image quality of the bigma between 300-500mm holds up against the 70-200 f2.8 at 200mm.

Will do.


This is gonna be the longest weekend of my life! Hopefully I get some photo gigs to tide me over...if not I might hafta go shoot something just for the heck of it for once. :eek: ;)

[Balrog]

Whoaa.. considering the kind of night shots you manage to pull off with f/6.3 on the Bigma I can't wait to see what you'll do with those 2.8Ls.. :)

[cdifoto]

Whoaa.. considering the kind of night shots you manage to pull off with f/6.3 on the Bigma I can't wait to see what you'll do with those 2.8Ls.. :)

I'm a little curious myself. lol.

[Tyger]

Congrats on the purchase bro, those are some fine lenses, i'd really like to see what you produce with them. I have the 70-200mm f4 and it's a great lense but it would be nice to have the 2.8 IS too:)

I'm saving up for the 100-400mm or the 400mm, hopefully i can get it sooner than later.

Looking forward to seeing you using these two bad boys:)

[cdifoto]

Congrats on the purchase bro, those are some fine lenses, i'd really like to see what you produce with them. I have the 70-200mm f4 and it's a great lense but it would be nice to have the 2.8 IS too:)

I'm saving up for the 100-400mm or the 400mm, hopefully i can get it sooner than later.

Looking forward to seeing you using these two bad boys:)

Yeah I'm a bit excited. I didn't get the IS version of the 70-200 since I already have decent success with Bigma. I figured it'd be a waste of about $500.

FedEx estimates 2 business days for delivery from the dealer to me. Here's hoping they ship today! lol.

[cdifoto]

I am one impatient SOB:

I called Norman Camera and upgraded my shipping to FedEx overnight...so they'll both be here tomorrow! :eek:

[24Peter]

I am one impatient SOB:

I called Norman Camera and upgraded my shipping to FedEx overnight...so they'll both be here tomorrow! :eek:

LOL - CDI:D , you crack me up! Spoken like a true photo junkie. :D

When I saw the title of this thread, I thought, "oh no - he went for another body - the 5D!" But perhaps I am projecting since that camera (after I build my new computer from all the stuff I just ordered from TigerDirect :eek: ) may be my next purchase. I'm actually testing one next weekend. I'm doing a weekend rental here in LA. For $200, I get to pick it up Friday at 3PM and return it by 11AM Monday morning. So many people have been raving about the 5D that I figured I need to check it out for myself. I'll post a review and pics in a couple of weeks.

[cdifoto]

LOL - CDI:D , you crack me up! Spoken like a true photo junkie. :D

When I saw the title of this thread, I thought, "oh no - he went for another body - the 5D!" But perhaps I am projecting since that camera (after I build my new computer from all the stuff I just ordered from TigerDirect :eek: ) may be my next purchase. I'm actually testing one next weekend. I'm doing a weekend rental here in LA. For $200, I get to pick it up Friday at 3PM and return it by 11AM Monday morning. So many people have been raving about the 5D that I figured I need to check it out for myself. I'll post a review and pics in a couple of weeks.

Yeah dude...by noon tomorrow I'll have some fancy new rings! Wish I could afford a 5D or 1Ds but I need glass before I need bodies. EF-S 10-22 I believe will be next in the lineup, probably by Xmas. That'll give me what I need for those big groups that won't fit in 24mm. The distortion is minimal with that lens even at 10mm, and what's left can be fixed in PS if necessary. With 2 XT bodies, I should be good to go once I have that range covered, even at weddings & such.

Got my first wedding on the 12th of November, btw.

[TheObiJuan]

wow, the canon power duo!
Sweet! :D

Take pics and post...

[cdifoto]

wow, the canon power duo!
Sweet! :D

Take pics and post...

Yepper yepper....can't wait till tomorrow. I'll be shootin all friggin day! Probably even a good bit into the evening/night too! heh.

[jamison55]

Congrats CDI. One's first "L" is a milestone to be cherished! I have the 28-70 and 80-200 2.8's (both parents of your purchases) and they are amazing optics!

One word of caution, though, grooms tend to frown on photogs who "burst their bridezilla's cherry"...:)

BTW - before rolling out the big coin for the fongsphere, check this out: http://www.abetterbouncecard.com This guy is a pro wedding photog that uses these things. I just ordered my kit this week, and will be trying it out at this Saturday's wedding, but from my tests at home this thing does the job admirably. And the best part is that it is a piece of paper, and he sends you the template so you can make as many of them as you want. It is flat when it's not on your camera, so you can stick 4-5 of them in your bag to have whenever.

[cdifoto]

Congrats CDI. One's first "L" is a milestone to be cherished! I have the 28-70 and 80-200 2.8's (both parents of your purchases) and they are amazing optics!

One word of caution, though, grooms tend to frown on photogs who "burst their bridezilla's cherry"...:)

BTW - before rolling out the big coin for the fongsphere, check this out: http://www.abetterbouncecard.com This guy is a pro wedding photog that uses these things. I just ordered my kit this week, and will be trying it out at this Saturday's wedding, but from my tests at home this thing does the job admirably. And the best part is that it is a piece of paper, and he sends you the template so you can make as many of them as you want. It is flat when it's not on your camera, so you can stick 4-5 of them in your bag to have whenever.


Thanks Jamie! I'm deep in debt (credit card lol) for these lenses but I know I can pay them off in no time. I keep getting more and more assignments/gigs/whatevers and this way I'll be well equipped to tackle almost anything. I do have one Fong Peanut Dish already and really like it's output...only thing I don't like is how friggin big and intimidating it is to some people. I bookmarked that link...looks interesting.

[aparmley]

. . .fairly quick, ceremony + reception all in one kinda deal. . . .

How does that work, Band playing in the corner, people drinking 'n dancing, while the couple, halfway through the ceremony, lights their unity candle, while they are struggling with the lightening of the unity candle the priest pastor, whoever, is in line for another seven n seven?

HAHAHAH - Just kidding, I needed a laugh.

Bye the way, your next months paychecks go to me! Don't forget! =)

I'd love to be broke but have the ability to order 2k+ worth of lenses at once. =) I'd happily take on that burden.

Sounds like things are going pretty well for you, thats good to hear. I hope you enjoy your recent purchases and they prove to be the tools you have anticapated them to be. Looking forward to the results.

[cdifoto]

How does that work, Band playing in the corner, people drinking 'n dancing, while the couple, halfway through the ceremony, lights their unity candle, while they are struggling with the lightening of the unity candle the priest pastor, whoever, is in line for another seven n seven?

HAHAHAH - Just kidding, I needed a laugh.

Bye the way, your next months paychecks go to me! Don't forget! =)

I'd love to be broke but have the ability to order 2k+ worth of lenses at once. =) I'd happily take on that burden.

Sounds like things are going pretty well for you, thats good to hear. I hope you enjoy your recent purchases and they prove to be the tools you have anticapated them to be. Looking forward to the results.


Actually yeah it will be quite hokie. However the cool part (IMO) is that all the men are US Marines (some active, some retired) so it'll have some nice dress blues goin' on. It's extremely casual otherwise which helps my confidence a LOT. The bride told me "I just want someone who can hold a camera straight and get good exposures." - How's that for expectations!?!? :eek:

I'm in a decent position I suppose. I don't make much money a year...no job actually. :rolleyes: My income is from online sales & photography. Both decent but neither great (yet). The good part is I have virtually zero expenses. No rent/mortgage, both vehicles are old but paid for and reliable, and my only recurring expenses are car insurance, cell phone, web hosting, etc. Small stuff that adds up but doesn't eat too much into my wallet. I walk around in old Nikes and Kmart clothes :eek: and don't buy anything for myself if it doesn't coincide with my photography. I also don't have habits like smoking or drinking or partying to pay for, and I rarely go on trips (wouldn't know where to even if I wanted to).

[aparmley]

Good for you! If your doing what you enjoy, thats all that matters. I on the other hand am broke, work full time, and am trying to figure out how to spend money I haven't earned yet! Its a fabulous lifestyle!

I hope there wasn't a negative toned received by my post. If so I apologize, was not my intention.

Marine's dress get up is blue pants, black coat, red collar, gold buttons, white belt, white hat, white gloves - unless I am mistaken. ? ? ? Grandpa was a marine - maybe it has changed =) that was a while ago.

Anywho, how much longer until the lenses arrive? What was the last scan point on the online tracking page? LOL - I've been there.

[Rex914]

Be sure to let us know how both lenses fare. I'm seriously looking at a 70-200 f/2.8 instead of the f/4 because of the triple rebates. Getting that lens for what amounts to $1000 is very tempting...

The Sigma may still be cheaper, but the margin has shrunk since it wouldn't be factored into the rebate (and it's not on discount to begin with!). So after all's said and done, I could only be paying about $120 more for the Canon, a $120 premium that's much more presentable than former $400 gap.

[cdifoto]

Good for you! If your doing what you enjoy, thats all that matters. I on the other hand am broke, work full time, and am trying to figure out how to spend money I haven't earned yet! Its a fabulous lifestyle!

I hope there wasn't a negative toned received by my post. If so I apologize, was not my intention.

Marine's dress get up is blue pants, black coat, red collar, gold buttons, white belt, white hat, white gloves - unless I am mistaken. ? ? ? Grandpa was a marine - maybe it has changed =) that was a while ago.

Anywho, how much longer until the lenses arrive? What was the last scan point on the online tracking page? LOL - I've been there.

No negativity was even assumed...it's all good.

Yeah it's still blue pants w/red stripe, black coat, white gloves, etc. I figured Dress Blues is easier to say :p

Left origin @ 9:15PM. lol I JUST pulled the FedEx tracking page up at the same time as this forum. I'm multitasking and refreshing like a fiend lookin for his next blow. :eek:

[cdifoto]

Be sure to let us know how both lenses fare. I'm seriously looking at a 70-200 f/2.8 instead of the f/4 because of the triple rebates. Getting that lens for what amounts to $1000 is very tempting...

The Sigma may still be cheaper, but the margin has shrunk since it wouldn't be factored into the rebate (and it's not on discount to begin with!). So after all's said and done, I could only be paying about $120 more for the Canon, a $120 premium that's much more presentable than former $400 gap.

I'll start a new thread with samples from both lenses with complete EXIF, 100% crops and the whole shebang. Just won't be brick walls...more like real-life photos. I'd rather shoot the way I normally shoot, and present those photos than be like "ok this is tripod mounted with mirror lockup and remote release with the self timer engaged"....who the h3ll really shoots like that anyway!?!?

[TheObiJuan]

BTW - before rolling out the big coin for the fongsphere, check this out: http://www.abetterbouncecard.com This guy is a pro wedding photog that uses these things. I just ordered my kit this week, and will be trying it out at this Saturday's wedding, but from my tests at home this thing does the job admirably. And the best part is that it is a piece of paper, and he sends you the template so you can make as many of them as you want. It is flat when it's not on your camera, so you can stick 4-5 of them in your bag to have whenever.


sweet link!
I need to see some other photog's pics before I commit.
I'd like to try making my own first though.

[cdifoto]

sweet link!
I need to see some other photog's pics before I commit.
I'd like to try making my own first though.

Looks kinda cool to me too but I already have the LSII...


Isn't it amazing how stupid we're willing to look, in order to get the best photos? :eek:

[ReF]

Be sure to let us know how both lenses fare. I'm seriously looking at a 70-200 f/2.8 instead of the f/4 because of the triple rebates. Getting that lens for what amounts to $1000 is very tempting...

The Sigma may still be cheaper, but the margin has shrunk since it wouldn't be factored into the rebate (and it's not on discount to begin with!). So after all's said and done, I could only be paying about $120 more for the Canon, a $120 premium that's much more presentable than former $400 gap.

just make sure you'll want to carry it around your neck or with all your other stuff when you go out. the f2.8 is definately superior to the f4 i have, but if at times you head out with all your gear over your shoulder (and have it there ALL day) not knowing what to expect (like i do), you may start to curse the size and weight or worse yet leave the thing at home and not have it around when you need it! if only we could afford both (yeah right)

[ReF]

Looks kinda cool to me too but I already have the LSII...


Isn't it amazing how stupid we're willing to look, in order to get the best photos? :eek:

yeah, i'll admit i don't look too cool with my tripod, camera, and bag over my shoulder, but trying to take shots of difficult situations with a tiny cameras doesn't look too great either. i wouldn't worry about too much though, considering how many lame things people do trying to look cool ;)

[cdifoto]

yeah, i'll admit i don't look too cool with my tripod, camera, and bag over my shoulder, but trying to take shots of difficult situations with a tiny cameras doesn't look too great either. i wouldn't worry about too much though, considering how many lame things people do trying to look cool ;)

lol yeah no doubt. I usually carry Bigma strapped over one shoulder, the kit lens over the other, and my backpack with monopod sticking straight up behind me...which likes to catch on EVERYTHING! One time I was trying to climb in my van to get someone's photos out that they ordered...and it caught the top, sending me backwards. lol. Then I did the same stupid thing again trying to get back OUT of the van. :rolleyes:

[cdifoto]

My lenses arrived today but it's raining...so I'll have to do my real-life tests tomorrow or Monday. Even today if it stops and clears up. I shot a couple through the rain and they seem fine but of course the falling rain makes them look a bit soft since it's a lot like shooting through a window.

I could do the tripod mounted indoor test thing but we've all seen enough of those kinds of shots already. I'm more interested in what I can do with them when it counts.

[TheObiJuan]

pics! pics! pics!
I sold my 20D today, so after I pay rent and get my transmission serviced I may be shopping around for a lens or two. :p

[cdifoto]

pics! pics! pics!
I sold my 20D today, so after I pay rent and get my transmission serviced I may be shopping around for a lens or two. :p

New thread! New thread! New thread! :D lol

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13369

Figured this one's getting a lil too long.