[The1]

i'm not actually sure how the RTFM picture got in there, it wasn't meant to me, sorry about that. must have clicked it by accident without noticing.

[M_Six]

Isn't that ridiculous that they won't let you take a monopod with you? Are they afraid you're going to hijack the ride or do they just want to make sure no one gets commercial quality pictures?

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Isn't that ridiculous that they won't let you take a monopod with you? Are they afraid you're going to hijack the ride or do they just want to make sure no one gets commercial quality pictures?

That's exactly it. This particular image is more popular than most of the commericial images of The Eye, but I can't get a release from the property owner because they want to control usage of their property. If I'd shot it from the street, then I could license it, but since I'm inside it I need the permission to license it.

Despite the lack of tripod, it's saleable because it's pretty unique among the pix of The Eye out there.

[khaye1]

So today, I said to myself....FOCK IT, then I ordered my 70-200 f4 IS. I got tired of waiting for rebates/coupons and I forked up full price for a new one. I know I'm gonna kick myself when I check next week and they have a rebate on it. SMH

[The1]

Originally Posted by khaye1

So today, I said to myself....FOCK IT, then I ordered my 70-200 f4 IS. I got tired of waiting for rebates/coupons and I forked up full price for a new one. I know I'm gonna kick myself when I check next week and they have a rebate on it. SMH

yes, but when that rebate or whatever happens, you'll already have a fantastic lens that you'll have been using for a week, and won't regret it.... at least too much.

[khaye1]

I know...I checked for refurbs but price difference wasn't worth giving up the full warranty

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by khaye1

I know...I checked for refurbs but price difference wasn't worth giving up the full warranty

Agreed. The only time the refurb site has been worth it was that very short period when they cut prices 15% and had free shipping. Otherwise sales tax and shipping bring the cost to just a bit short of new. So why bother?

The 70-200mm F4 IS will be my next lens. Hopefully for Xmas.

[Chewy734]

Originally Posted by khaye1

So today, I said to myself....FOCK IT, then I ordered my 70-200 f4 IS. I got tired of waiting for rebates/coupons and I forked up full price for a new one. I know I'm gonna kick myself when I check next week and they have a rebate on it. SMH

congrats! You won't regret your purchase. I love that lens. It's the perfect performance for the size/weight.

[Chewy734]

Well, it's time for the vacation! Actually, it won't really be all that fun (as far as sightseeing goes), but it'll be relaxing and I'll have a chance to visit my relatives whom I haven't seen in 3 years. The long-ass flight is gonna suck (22 hrs total), but hopefully I'm exhausted enough to sleep as much as possible on the plane.

I decided on leaving the 70-200mm f/4L IS at home. Hopefully I don't regret that decision, but I know I won't be doing too much sightseeing. I'll use the 24-105mm f/4L IS as my workhorse, and the 50mm f/1.4 for portraits, etc.

I'm sure I'll have some spotty internet connection while I'm there, so I'll probably check in once I get back (Oct 8th). Anyways, have fun!

[The1]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

Well, it's time for the vacation! Actually, it won't really be all that fun (as far as sightseeing goes), but it'll be relaxing and I'll have a chance to visit my relatives whom I haven't seen in 3 years. The long-ass flight is gonna suck (22 hrs total), but hopefully I'm exhausted enough to sleep as much as possible on the plane.

I decided on leaving the 70-200mm f/4L IS at home. Hopefully I don't regret that decision, but I know I won't be doing too much sightseeing. I'll use the 24-105mm f/4L IS as my workhorse, and the 50mm f/1.4 for portraits, etc.

I'm sure I'll have some spotty internet connection while I'm there, so I'll probably check in once I get back (Oct 8th). Anyways, have fun!

Have a great visit, and try to get out a bit!!!

look forward to your antics when you return!

[Weebl]

Happy trails and be safe.

[The1]

not too safe though, or you won't have any fun!!!

[M_Six]

Just FYI, B&H has the rare and highly regarded 200mm f1.8 USM in their used section.

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Just FYI, B&H has the rare and highly regarded 200mm f1.8 USM in their used section.

That's a lot of money, BUT it'll hold its value very well. If I made a living photographing concerts, that would be on a "wish list."

The minimum focus distance is 8.2-feet, so it wouldn't be very good as a macro, even with a couple of extension tubes.

Dave

[The1]

that looks yummy...

I'm happy with what i've got though, that one is a bit intense.

And like dave said, the minimum focusing distance is a bit shit.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by dcstep

That's a lot of money, BUT it'll hold its value very well. If I made a living photographing concerts, that would be on a "wish list."

The minimum focus distance is 8.2-feet, so it wouldn't be very good as a macro, even with a couple of extension tubes.

Dave

I could never swing such a lens, but Bryan over at The-Digital-Picture paid $7k for a mint version from a Korean seller (this was a few years ago, I believe). So $5k may not be too bad of a price. I guess it's one of those lenses that have a specific fan base, like you say, concert or stage performances and such.

[The1]

Originally Posted by M_Six

I could never swing such a lens, but Bryan over at The-Digital-Picture paid $7k for a mint version from a Korean seller (this was a few years ago, I believe). So $5k may not be too bad of a price. I guess it's one of those lenses that have a specific fan base, like you say, concert or stage performances and such.

I'm willing to bet it's a paparazzi favorite along with red carpet events, and concerts.

otherwise, i think it has a very limited use as the focal length is going to be too short for wildlife and the minimum focus distance is going to be too long for portrait work.

[vachss]

It takes a special kind of gear fetishist/collector to go for a 200/1.8 when Canon's 200/2IS is available. When would you really go for 1/3rd stop brighter rather than IS (and a 10-15 year newer lens)?

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by vachss

It takes a special kind of gear fetishist/collector to go for a 200/1.8 when Canon's 200/2IS is available. When would you really go for 1/3rd stop brighter rather than IS (and a 10-15 year newer lens)?

I agree. *If* I had that kind of money (and I don't) to spend on a lens, it would be for something with more reach. If I needed speed at 200mm, I'd "settle" for the 70-200mm f2.8 IS and have bucks to buy another lens.

I just thought I'd throw the link out there as it's still a rare lens, old or not.

[M_Six]

Will this thing take a 2x TC? I wonder what you could do with a 1600mm FL. Look for old Apollo spacecraft on the surface of the moon maybe?

[dcstep]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Will this thing take a 2x TC? I wonder what you could do with a 1600mm FL. Look for old Apollo spacecraft on the surface of the moon maybe?

In fact, it will, but you'll need a 1D or 1Ds. Add an extension tube and it makes a hell of a macro lens from 15-ft. I know of a guy that uses this and stacks TCs on it.

Dave

[scollins]

Originally Posted by dcstep

In fact, it will, but you'll need a 1D or 1Ds. Add an extension tube and it makes a hell of a macro lens from 15-ft. I know of a guy that uses this and stacks TCs on it.

Dave

But I doubt it will autofocus quickly or reliably with a 2X, since that would be f11. Maybe in a very bright setting, but I bet it would still be slow.

But for something moving very slowly (like the moon..) it would work ok