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11/21/2005 05:38:03 PM · #1 |
Well, here's my story folks. I've been into photography since I was a little kid, with my 110 exposure film camera that took the little flashbulb on the end of an extender. I bought it from a neighbor for $5. Of course, my parents were in charge of buying the film and paying for the developing (remember dropping them in the box at K Mart and picking them up a week later?). So, due to film and developing costs, I always had to keep my picture-taking in check, and was only allowed to take a couple pictures here and there for select occasions. But I loved every minute of it.
Fast forward to 8th-grade graduation when I asked for, and received, a Kodak disc camera. A nifty little device that took pictures more grainy than a 1/4 megapixel camera because the negative on the disc was about the size of the head on a thumbtack. I took a few decent pictures, but most came out crappy. No wonder that technology didn't last very long. Also, since I was working a little bit, I was in charge of taking care of some of the costs for film and processing. So I had to keep my picture-taking in check because, although I was working the odd after-school job, I couldn't afford very much. But I loved every minute of it.
Next came college when I asked for, and received, money from all my brothers and sisters for Christmas. I took the money, combined it with some of my own, and bought a Canon Rebel 35mm camera with a 35 - 105mm lens. Film and processing were still a cost issue for a poor college kid (not to mention new lenses, flashes, filters, etc), but I shot a ton. I took some pretty good shots if I do say so myself, and I started to feel like a "real" photographer for the first time. I learned a ton, took my share of crappy shots too, and yes--I loved every minute of it.
That brings me to about 5 years ago. Fed up with film costs, and hearing about all this digital technolgy starting to come of age, I purchased a 2 megapixel Kodak camera that came with a 32MB CF card in a little kit. Wow! No more film or processing costs! Only print what you want, and snap away! But oh, the quality. Hmmm, compared to my 35mm, this thing was seriously lacking. But too bad! I LOVED digital, and was never going back! To this day, there is a half-used roll of film in my 35mm. The pictures already used on that role are from my sister-in-law's wedding. They've been married over 6 years. I took a ton of mediocre shots, mixed in with some decent pictures, and snapped away with glee. Action shots? Forget it! You had to press the shutter about 1.5 seconds before it actually took the picture, and even then you were guessing as to the exact moment the shot was going to go off. But I loved--well, you get the idea.
Up through the digital ranks I went, from the Kodak to a Nikon 4500, and a year later to a Nikon 5700. One of my brother-in-laws asked me if I was ever going to go 2 Christmases in a row with the same camera! He was only half kidding.
This all leads up to a few weeks ago. In the back of my mind I longed for the day when I could combine the quality of my old 35mm with the click-away-without-limits ability of digital. Oh, the technology has been there for a long time, but I always thought it would be cheaper to buy a reasonably good car than to buy an SLR-style digital (I really hadn't looked much at the latest camera technology). And besides, my 5700 was pretty good! Not exactly state-of-the-art, but certainly able to take decent shots, to be sure. I figured the bad shots were more the result of my inability--not the cameras. But then I was leafing through the Sunday ads, and lo and behold--what's this Canon Rebel XT kit all about?? Well, to make a long story somewhat less long, I searched the web, found this site (among others, but this one is far-and-away the best), and ordered a shiny new Rebel XT kit from amazon.com. This was 2 1/2 weeks ago. Since then I've taken about 600 shots (at least 20 of them I would consider really good! :o)), bought a Canon 50mm 1.4 lens and the 580EX flash, and just yesterday I ordered the Canon 24-70mm 2.8L and 70-200 2.8L lenses. So in less than a month, I went from a Nikon 5700 to over $4k in new digital camera bliss. Call it a 3-week blitz on a 30 year on-again, off-again passion. To say I'm hooked is a mild understatement. I eagerly look forward to every chance to pick up my Rebel XT, and I'm like a 5-year-old on Christmas Eve waiting for my 2 new lenses. The Tamron lens in my profile is getting returned. My philosophy from here on in is to buy the best from the start, and use it for all it's worth (not a slam at all on the Tamron). Call me crazy--it wouldn't be the first time! I feel like I've come full circle, where I can practice all I want, take 50 shots of the same scene to get it right, and have the quality equipment I've always dreamed of. It's been a wild ride--one I'm going to enjoy sharing with you all. And of course--I'm loving every minute of it!
If you've read this far, thanks for sticking with my little ramble. You'll be hearing from me a lot, and hopefully voting high on my entries. I value your comments (feel free to make a few on my shots--go ahead!), and I enjoy looking at the immense talent on here. Take care!
-Don |
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11/21/2005 05:51:05 PM · #2 |
Whew, I read the whole thing!
:-)
Howdies!
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11/21/2005 05:51:12 PM · #3 |
Enjoyed reading your story. Have fun with your new toy.
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11/21/2005 05:55:57 PM · #4 |
| I hate reading long post but for some reason I did this one. lol Congratulations on all your new toys and have fun! |
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11/21/2005 06:04:46 PM · #5 |
I shall look forward to seeing you in the challenges. I've been interested in cameras for a long, long time, too - have been taking pictures since I was around 5 years old - that is a LONG time ago! Digital is wonderful, so nice to be able to take so many pictures and not waste money developing them. I wish I would have gotten started on it sooner than a couple of years ago.
The shots in your portfolio are very nice. You will do very well in the challenges! |
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11/21/2005 06:15:01 PM · #6 |
Welcome Don! You're absolutely going to love both the 24-70 and the 70-200/2.8. You've just bought Canon's two best zooms, bar none. The 50/1.4 is also an outstanding lens in its own right. Watch out when you get the two zooms, you may develop symptoms of "L disease!"
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11/21/2005 06:41:47 PM · #7 |
That was very touching and very similar to my story. I wont bore people with it here, but suffice it to say, I am the proud owner of a
Rebel XT
24-70 L
70-200 L IS
85mm 1.8 Prime
and a few other goodies.
Headed to your profile now to see what you have done thus far.
Congrats Man & thanks for sharing your story. |
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11/21/2005 07:05:28 PM · #8 |
Thanks all for your replies. Before making the (quite large) purchase of the 2 lenses, I looked at ALL the pictures listed here under both lenses. Funny enough, a few of you who already replied have pictures taken with these lenses and some of those pictures helped influence my decision to go forward with the purchase!
Watch out when you get the two zooms, you may develop symptoms of "L disease!"
Exactly! That's why the Tamron is going back, and the L's are coming in. I searched high and low for any bad reviews of these lenses, and I found none. I can't wait!! |
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11/21/2005 07:06:10 PM · #9 |
| Welcome Don ... great story ...my only comment is ... How could you leave team Nikon ... just kidding! Good luck in the upcoming challenges. :) |
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11/22/2005 03:49:47 AM · #10 |
Long posts? ... I write them, so I read them as well.
Welcome aboard.
David
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11/22/2005 05:12:06 AM · #11 |
| Long post? Well, yeah, maybe, but you tell the story well, I enjoyed it :-) hehe, yeah I remember, I had one of those disk cameras too way back whenever it was they were around. Also, when I was about 12 ish, I had a polaroid (I think they were called zips?) that were different bright colors (mine was bright red), about the size of a toaster, and spit the picture out the front and then you had to wait a few minutes for it to 'develop'...talk about 'high' quality...hoo-ahh! ;-) Alright, enough of this, I think I'm showing my age here...anyways, welcome Don,look forward to seeing your stuff :-) |
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11/22/2005 08:46:48 AM · #12 |
Don, welcome and sit back and enjoy.. ( the digital side ) ... this is just the best hobby ever, it's so full of life, and the best thing about this site is that we all feel the same, no one at home seems to understand..lol...we won't think your weird or crazy with how many or what you take photos of...
good luck on the challanges... look forward to chatting with you on here....
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11/22/2005 10:44:16 AM · #13 |
Nice history very well told!
It recalls me of my "Kodak Instamatic 25" times... now I also owns a 350D and some big lenses.
Just one thing, for the money it costs, specially compared to your other lenses, i'll keep the Tamron. Sometimes you want to travel light, or go unnoticed, both impossible with a big white lens hanging around ;)
____________________
Edit: welcome to dpc for sure!
Message edited by author 2005-11-22 12:39:11. |
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11/22/2005 10:50:53 AM · #14 |
Nice story! Welcome to the most addictive photo site on the web!
(Apparently that college education paid off? ;-))
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11/22/2005 11:15:37 AM · #15 |
Welcome to dpc!!! Can't wait to see more of your work and see you in the challenges. I just looked at all your pictures and commented on that awesome one of your youngest little boy in the tub :) WHAT a cutie!!!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!! I bet you do GREAT! :)
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11/22/2005 12:19:51 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Welcome Don! You're absolutely going to love both the 24-70 and the 70-200/2.8. You've just bought Canon's two best zooms, bar none. The 50/1.4 is also an outstanding lens in its own right. Watch out when you get the two zooms, you may develop symptoms of "L disease!" |
Make that 2 of Canon's 3 best zooms: the 10-22mm is otherworldy nice too :-)
Welcome aboard!
Robt. |
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11/22/2005 12:38:50 PM · #17 |
i have the rebel XT/350D and i just ordered the 24-70mm f2,8L after playing with one for a couple of days, the quality is amazing :D
you wont regret that purchase :)
ive heard, once you go L , there´s no going back hehe
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11/22/2005 12:46:42 PM · #18 |
here´s one taken in low light with that lens
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11/22/2005 12:56:31 PM · #19 |
| I feel for you! I went from a point-and-shoot 35mm, to a 1.3mp sony, to a powershot, then onto my digital rebel, and I just got a 35mm SLR. Enjoy it. :-) |
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11/23/2005 07:56:27 PM · #20 |
Well, I got home today, and what do you know--my lenses arrived!! I was expecting them Friday, so to say this was a pleasant surprise is putting it quite mildly! I've played around with them for about an hour, and all I can say is OH MY GOSH THESE LENSES ROCK!!!! Here's one with the 24-70:
Nothing special, and the clarity in the shot cannot be seen as well due to resizing. But man, these are incredible.
Now then, sorry I haven't replied to some of your kind posts. I have been leaving some comments for your pictures, as sort of a "thank you" for your replies. But let me answer a few here.
Gunni--Nice shot. Love the expression on his face--priceless.
I just looked at all your pictures and commented on that awesome one of your youngest little boy in the tub :) WHAT a cutie!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much! He is a cute little guy, if I do say so myself. :o) You'll see plenty more of him in my portfolio as I go along. No one in my family is safe from my shutterbug tendencies...
Make that 2 of Canon's 3 best zooms: the 10-22mm is otherworldy nice too :-)
Don't tell me that--I've spent half a fortune already LOL! However, the only other lenses I really want to get down the road are a wide angle, and a good macro lense. So don't be surprised to see a 10-22mm in my lense list in the future!
Just one thing, for the money it costs, specially compared to your other lenses, i'll keep the Tamron. Sometimes you want to travel light, or go unnoticed, both impossible with a big white lens hanging around ;)
I can definitely see your point, after seeing these lenses for myself, now. However, funds won't permit both (heck, they didn't permit these!). I actually think the kit lense that came with the Rebel isn't bad, and that will be my walkaround snapshot lense for now.
So, with the equipment I have now, any bad shots from here on in can only be blamed on one thing--me! I truly feel like I don't have ANY limits with how far I can take my photography, and I'm really excited to share my journey with you. Enough for now--gotta go squeeze off a few more pictures, and get the turkey ready for tomorrow.
Take care, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
-Don |
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