What item do you regret purchasing?

Brian51832 · May 19, 2004

15 lenses, to be exact.

I moved up from a 717 and "would never spend $1500 on just a camera body"! So I spend $900 on a Digital Rebel and then go lens crazy. I have to blame myself for spending too much time on these forums and not really knowing what I really needed. The list and my plans:

Quantaray 28-200 (my very first!)
Kit Lens
Canon 70-200 L f4 (my first L)
Canon 80-200 L f2.8 (because I thought the Dell deal was cancelled)
Canon 70-200 L f2.8 IS (because I got the Dell deal!)
Tamron 28-75 XR Di (an early one when I wasn't too nuts)
Canon 28-135 IS (I wanted to try it out)
Canon 24-70 L 2.8 (because I wanted better)
Canon 17-40 L 4.0 (gotta have a good wide angle)
Canon 16-35 L 2.8 (gotta have a faster wide angle)
Tamron 90mm Macro (a good, inexpensive macro)
Canon 100-400 L IS (better than the 70-200 x 2, right?)
Sigma 20 1.8 (need fast primes!)
Canon 28 1.8 (need fast primes again)
Canon 50 1.8 MK1 (need fast primes...)

Oh yeah, and a Kenko Pro 1.4x converter & Canon 2.0x

I've got way too much overlap here and just don't need big telephoto for what I do. I figure for starters that the Tamron 28-75 and the Canon 100-400 are going to go. Yeah, I know that the 70-200 range is pretty full, but hey, the f4 is light, the 80-200 works perfectly but looks ugly (so not much value there) and I'm not letting go of the 2.8 IS. One of the wide L's will probably go, too, but I'm really conflicted about which one.

What was this post about again?!? Oh yeah, regrets. Okay, I can't say it's just one item and that it "didn't deliver what was expected", beacuse they are all fine. It's my rate of usage that is the regret.

I've also tried out several bags and am still not completely happy.

Lowepro Omni Trekker - very nice but big
Bob Krist - Can't put DRebel + Grip in correct orientation

I'm looking at the Tamrac 5605 now. I'll probably get one. The spending continues, but at least it's interesting.

Brian

Jochen said:
(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

feivel · May 19, 2004

in my opinion and others, it's only use is when you are bouncing off a ceiling (or wall). for this the light diffuses well and there is less flash-glare, and less light fall-off

for direct flash i agree it's better without it, but i dont believe direct flash is it's intended purpose

feivel

Scott Watson said:
Jochen said:

(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Click to expand...

Bill223907 · May 19, 2004

Hi Franklin,

Can you share with me how to make the index card bouncer? what material do you use?
Have you tried the Lumiquest Pocket Midi Bouncer, are they any good?

I want to sell away my Omnibounce...

Franklin said:
Scott Watson said:

Picutres are better without it.

Click to expand...

Yeah. I agree with you on this one. I am alway mystified by the
rave reviews it receives from users. I understand the flash light
is better to be softened. But my home made index card bouncer works
better than omni bounce in all my tests.

Franklin said:

Jochen said:

(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/franklin

feivel · May 19, 2004

Jochen said:
(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Bill223907 · May 19, 2004

I always use omnibounce to bounce it off the ceiling, but the pictures are still better without it. The flash are too scattered on the subjects, came out horrible. I've never used it since then.

feivel said:
feivel

Scott Watson said:

Jochen said:

(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Franklin · May 19, 2004

Mine is just a hard white paper(the whiter, the better), cut to the size of a index card, attached the the flash head with a rubber band. Tilt up the flash head, There is you bouncer. You can bend the card a little bit to bounce more light toward the subject.

I have tried luminquest pocket bouncer before, too big for my liking. Result are ok.

Scott Watson said:
Can you share with me how to make the index card bouncer? what
material do you use?
Have you tried the Lumiquest Pocket Midi Bouncer, are they any good?

I want to sell away my Omnibounce...

Franklin said:

Scott Watson said:

Picutres are better without it.

Click to expand...

Yeah. I agree with you on this one. I am alway mystified by the
rave reviews it receives from users. I understand the flash light
is better to be softened. But my home made index card bouncer works
better than omni bounce in all my tests.

Bill223907 said:

Jochen said:

(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/franklin

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/franklin

Daniella68313 · May 19, 2004

I returned it because it gave me very fuzzy, dreamy photos at some distance. It was nice at close range but not at 50 feet or so. I replaced it with a Canon 100-300 F5.6L and it is not as fast focusing but it retain its sharpness and I have a lot more keepers now.

the lens that I most like now is the 80-200 F2.8L

Jochen said:
(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

--
Minë Corma hostië të ilyë ar mordossë nutië të
Mornórëo Nóressë yassë i Fuini caitar.
Un thoron arart’a s’un hith mal’kemen ioke.
Saurulmaiel

Daniella68313 · May 19, 2004

do you have a comparison? I was thinking of buying it, but not sure anymore.

Scott Watson said:
Jochen said:

(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Click to expand...

--
Minë Corma hostië të ilyë ar mordossë nutië të
Mornórëo Nóressë yassë i Fuini caitar.
Un thoron arart’a s’un hith mal’kemen ioke.
Saurulmaiel

Daniella68313 · May 19, 2004

can you show a photo of this home made thingy?

Franklin said:
Scott Watson said:

Picutres are better without it.

Click to expand...

Yeah. I agree with you on this one. I am alway mystified by the
rave reviews it receives from users. I understand the flash light
is better to be softened. But my home made index card bouncer works
better than omni bounce in all my tests.

Franklin said:

Jochen said:

(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/franklin

--
Minë Corma hostië të ilyë ar mordossë nutië të
Mornórëo Nóressë yassë i Fuini caitar.
Un thoron arart’a s’un hith mal’kemen ioke.
Saurulmaiel

rkhndjr · May 19, 2004

Daniella said:
the lens that I most like now is the 80-200 F2.8L

Jochen said:

(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

Click to expand...

--
Minë Corma hostië të ilyë ar mordossë nutië të
Mornórëo Nóressë yassë i Fuini caitar.
Un thoron arart’a s’un hith mal’kemen ioke.
Saurulmaiel

--
rkhndjr

I didn't need it and was just one of many who buy something because it is the latest " just gotta have it" thing.
Russell

Bruce Hamilton · May 19, 2004

Eneref said:
Why? Because since I purchased it, I've also felt the need to buy:
-2x 512MB CF cards.

Me too.

Eneref said:
-Canon 75-300mm IS lens (which I also regret, but we'll get into
that in another message)

I bought Sigma 70-300 APO, very happy with the value for money.

Eneref said:
-Canon 50mm 1.8 lens

Me too.

Eneref said:
-Filters

Me too.

Also:-
Good quality USB2-Firewire interface for PC.
120GB hard disk for PC.
Manfrotto Tripod and ball head.
Camera bag.

Made my own wired remote.

Spent, and still spending, evenings in classes on Photoshop and Basic Photography.

Eneref said:
For a grand total of more money than I really should have spent on
any one hobby.

I don't begrudge the money, but the biggest problem is that investing in the camera and accoutrements enables me to justify frequenting these, and other, fora, - currently stealing an hour a day of my life.

Bruce Hamilton

Nedlyj · May 19, 2004

I've had very good luck with the Omni Bounce, but you need to know when to use it and how.

Initially I usd it with the flash head down (straight ahead) and it was useless. Of course, that was wrong. The flash head should always be at 45 degrees with the stofen on. At this angle, flash almost always looks much better (imho). On occassion I'll also use it with the flash head straight up (to get a little less direct flash) and it works well there too.

But, for close portrait shots, I prefer the results with the Lumiquest - but it is large and takes a while to put on. Generally I'll leave the Omnibounce on all the time, but still take the lumiquest in the bag for if/when I need it.

I think it's all a matter of taste though. I like a bit softer fill and shadows, so the Omnibounce usually fits that bill fairly well.

-n

Scott Watson said:
I always use omnibounce to bounce it off the ceiling, but the
pictures are still better without it. The flash are too scattered
on the subjects, came out horrible. I've never used it since then.

Chrome Dome · May 19, 2004

ravage said:
When using the bulb exposure and the wired remote, do you have to
keep your finger on the shutter button for the full duration?
Isn't the point of bulb to take pictures with a longer exposure thn
30 sec's?
If you can't let go of the shutter button on the remote isn't that
one soar thumb?

The wired remote has a bulb feature. The shutter can be locked open with the simple push of a button.

Ed

Jarl Sandberg · May 19, 2004

Since I fooled myself into getting a more expensive lens that I original intended to. I am quite satified with the shots I get from it, but I always wonder if I could have managed with the non-IS versions.

--jalle

Mike54 said:
Not so much for what it can or can't do but that in combination
with what I (over) paid for it.
My fault I admit, I had my Dreb in hand, wanted a long lense and
didn't investigate, just bought.
To do over again I'd go with the 200 L F/2.8 or 70 - 200 L F/4.
They would have given me the same (usable) length for the same or
even less the cost.
To be fair to the 75 - 300 I do have it on the camera most of the
time. It's what I have, for now...
--
Heaven sends snowmen to earth unassembled!

Franklin · May 19, 2004

Daniella said:
can you show a photo of this home made thingy?

--
http://www.pbase.com/franklin

alekas · May 19, 2004

You were lucky - I did it too - see the results:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=8846674

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=8848075

Have no idea what to do. There is no real alternative to this lens (weight, size, pic quality and the focal length is exactly what I want)

Alex

Franklin said:
drcannon said:

The 75-300 III USM is loaded with CA and is soft at 300mm. Also
very cheap construction.

I've had three 70-200 f4Ls and they've all back focused. Since 17th
St Photo won't take any more back (can't blame them), I'm stuck
with the one I have and will either have to send it back for repair
(even more shipping charges after the original purchase and sending
two back to 17th St), or sell it. Guess I could always donate it to
a school or something and write off the donation. I have a Sigma
70-200 2.8 that I love, so the f4L is sitting in its box.

Click to expand...

I bought my F4L from 17street photo as well. Returned one. Second
one backfocused as bad as the first one. Instead of exchanging it
again, sent it to canon for service. Returned in 2 weeks, works as
a charm since.

Franklin said:

Also, I never use my 50 1.8 II. Other than that, I'm very pleased
with the equipment I've purchased.

DC

Click to expand...

--
http://www.pbase.com/franklin

Eneref · May 19, 2004

The lens is okay. It's not very sharp, though...

The problem I have with it is the autofocus. It's slow... slower than me moving closer to the subject sort of slow... and when it loses its focus just a HAIR it focuses ALL the way in... and then ALL the way back out... meaning that if I do anything but manual focus on this lens or focus on static, dead, motionless objects, I'm liable to miss shots.

It has some pretty bad CA... and its contrast is not terribly good. For the PRICE, it's pretty much what I expected except for the super slow autofocus.

--
N.

Post your files and links to http://www.rebelwithaclue.net

Let's keep a central repository on redundant OC3s.

Eneref · May 19, 2004

I love it, really.

I have played with the Canon 100mm Macro, the Sigma 180 F/3.5 EX APO Macro lens, , the Tamron 180mm F/3.5 Di, and this one. Of all the ones I've played with, the I think I like the Sigma 180mm the best...

But this one is less than half the price, and it's crystal sharp and clear. I'd choose it over the Canon (even if they were priced the same) any time.

--
N.

Post your files and links to http://www.rebelwithaclue.net

Let's keep a central repository on redundant OC3s.

Eneref · May 19, 2004

Carl Hoang said:
How does it compared to Canon 420EX or 550EX?

Carl Hoang said:
Carl Hoang said:

--
N.

Post your files and links to http://www.rebelwithaclue.net

Let's keep a central repository on redundant OC3s.

Click to expand...

Never used either, I'm afraid, so I'm not much one for a comparison.

Some people love the 550EX... some people think the 420EX is a steal at the price. It depends on your flash needs. For the price, the Sigma does everything I need out of a flash, and suits my needs quite well, but I probably could have gotten by pretty easily with a 420EX.

--
N.

Post your files and links to http://www.rebelwithaclue.net

Let's keep a central repository on redundant OC3s.

billybob_jcv · May 19, 2004

Not because they aren't good lenses, but because I didn't intend to buy both. They were in separate eBay auctions that closed about the same time. I put in what I thought were fairly low-ball bids on both lenses hoping I would snag one. I got both! In retrospect, I should not have bought either lens, and just spent a bit more and bought a EF28-135 IS - which is the lens I really want! I should put both of these lenses back on eBay - but I hate selling anything... stupid, stupid, stupid!

Jochen said:
(Saw a similar thread in the D70 forum)

Now THAT is an interesting question! You and I know we all like to
brag about our stuff. Some people more than others )) But...

There's definitely that one item that, in retrospect, did not
deliver what you expected.

The rules;
-Put the item(s) in your header.
-Explain WHY you regret to have puchased it in the message body.
-And if possible, write down with what item you replaced it (or
wish to replace it).

GO!

--
Ciao,

J.

-------------------------
http://www.pixelpower.be
-------------------------
Cams: Canon 300D / Olympus UZI
Lenses: Canon 18-55 EF-S / Canon 35-350 L USM
Tools: Battery grip / X-drive I / Lowepro Trim trekker / Velbon
Tripod / left eye / brain

What item do you regret purchasing?

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