DSLR Shots and Discussions

TreeSemdyZee

I'm a HUGE fan of good glass. When I bought my 7d, I bought the consumer-level kit lenses. My brother gave me a 70-200 f4. Quickly thereafter, I sold my kit lenses.
I love my 7d, which is awesome for sports, which I love to shoot. I am looking to get a full-frame to go with it though.

Boost_lee

I priced some local lens and body rentals, maybe I should try that first? Lens prices are reasonable, but the bodies are a bit high - I think $100/day for a 5d mkii

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cgust

Right now I have a Nikon D300 and a Sigma 300mm f2.8 OS and usually use a 1.4x teleconverter for nature stuff. I started out a couple years ago with the Sigma 50-500mm non OS version. Then went to the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VRI and then had the Sigma 800mm f5.6 and then the newest Nikon 500mm f4 VRII. However, since finishing school and now working full time its tough to get out as often. So now I'm with the Sigma 300/2.8OS. I have a hard time making up my mind sometimes But I have a bit of experience through all that so if you guys have any questions feel free to ask!

cgust

Boost_Lee you should check out Lensrentals.com. Reasonable rates and I've used them a few times and would definitely recommend them. The new entry level dslrs are getting pretty good but good glass can last a lifetime. Glass is where you should put your money I'd say.

onzedge

Great work -- I am partial to Minnesota shots as well. I spend a great deal of time up in Otter Tail County.

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cgust

Thanks! Im hoping to get up to that area this spring for waterfowl.

Cmike2780

Don't waste your money on the camera body rental just to try it out. Renting the lenses is okay, but I'd rather try it out in the store for free and put the money towards the actual lens you want to buy.

As you know, a better body isn't going to give you better pictures...just makes it easier to work with if you take A LOT of pictures. Your camera is more than capable of creating awesome shots. Better glass is the better investment if you want to improve your shots. I'm not familiar with Canon lens line, but I would go for the ones designed for full-frame if you want to upgrade to a full-frame camera later. Your shots are pretty good as it is, so you should ask yourself what kind of shots would be improved with your next lens.

A crop sensor is going to be a better route if you shoot more in telephoto because of the "extra" reach. Most of the crop sensor cameras are also physically smaller and lighter. Full Frame is better as an all around camera, but will leave your wallet a lot lighter. If you take a lot of low light shots without a tripod, the higher ISO processing on the high end cameras will help a bit also. There's no mistaking that the pro full frame cameras are better, but you should really think about whether or not paying 3 times as much is worth the marginal difference in getting the shot. For someone shooting hundreds of frames a day, its worth it. Someone like myself though, who only shoots on the weekend...if that, it's overkill. This is kind of why I really like how Full Frames have gotten less expensive in recent years. It's kind of why I really like Nikon's D600. It's closer to justify the next step up without spending an insane amount.

If you do go full frame, chances are the lenses you have will limit you eventually. Most of your shots will look exactly the same when you switch to the new body and use your existing lenses.

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onzedge

We have a big chunk of property in Battle Lake and go there one or two times per year.

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TreeSemdyZee

How do you like the Sigmas? I keep finding complaints about auto focus speeds. Of course in realm of Canon, it doesn't seem like most of the Sigmas are any cheaper, so I'm not sure of the advantages.

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TreeSemdyZee

Avoid the EF-S lenses and you're good for full-frame. L lenses are the top of the pile. Pile of cash, but excellent lenses.

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cgust

Ive seen quite a bit of complaints on the net about sigma's quality control but I've had great luck with them so far. I also think the amount of complaints has dropped significantly over the last few years and sigma is becoming a big competitor. Comparing my sigma 120-300/2.8OS to the nikon 300/2.8VRI... the AF speed is faster in the nikon (which im assuming is the same speed as canon) but the sigma is no slouch and I can track birds in flight just fine. I cant think of a reason I'd need it any faster. Plus the sigma has to move much more glass because it is a zoom lens. Sharpness goes to my sigma though. Its definitely the sharpest lens ive owned and Ive had my share of good nikon glass. So...Id recommend sigma for sure! Before buying just be sure to read reviews and lean toward the EX versions or their new Art and Sport models.

TreeSemdyZee

Cool. Thanks for the info. Think I'll do some shopping.

LunaZ

How do y'all feel about UV filters?
Use them for lens protection, don't use them at all?
Notice a difference in IQ or can't tell any difference?

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onzedge

All of my lenses have B+W UV MRC filters. They are there mainly for protection.

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cgust

Your probably going to get mixed responses on this. I never use filters for protection. IMO its just another piece of glass that can possibly effect sharpness. Not sure if my big lenses even support a filter in the front to be honest? It would likely be expensive at that diameter I'd think..