The Kit.

[CaptainNH]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

It's called being awesome

Thought that was probably the case

It would be handy if PhotoStats would work out 35mm equiv. focal lengths so the stats don't get confused by crop factors and sensor sizes.

[cleamon]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

It's called being awesome

It's likely from P&S cameras. I ran the software through my entire HD of images, so there will be a few from an old S3is and a few other P&S cameras.

Yeah, I was wondering if you were using a full frame digital (since camera body is not in your kit ).

[OsmosisStudios]

All dSLR shots are with a D80.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

As I mentioned, in some cases it's counter-productive to go the prime route. While you generally do get better image quality and faster apertures, space, useability and straight up convenience often preclude the investment.

I've thought about this, for sure. The fact is there would be more switching of lenses which can be a pain. But going with 4 primes over 2 zooms, for me, would actually take less space and in some ways be more convenient, and here's why. For what I shoot, I generally know what focal lengths I'll need, and to cover everything I can use either a 28mm or 50mm and either an 85/100mm or 200mm. That is, I only need one lens in the wide/normal range and one in the telephoto, so I'm only carrying two lenses. If I had the 24-70 and the 70-200, I would still need to carry both lenses to have that functionality. I would still be switching lenses as often, and in fact it would be easier to carry two fairly lightweight, more compact primes over two heavier, bulkier zooms (ever held the 70-200 2.8? It's a beast).

In addition, there's a more moderate and gradual investment in good primes. Where I'm dropping $1200-1300 each for the two L zooms, the primes are under $1000 each (under $500 in some cases). I can more quickly get the ones I absolutely need, and flesh out the full kit later. For example, since I already have a 50mm 1.8, I don't need to buy the 1.4 right away. I can start building the kit faster and more gradually.

Who knows, by the time I get a 5D (and, more importantly, a computer system to process those files and properly back things up), the options could change.

[OsmosisStudios]

Oh, I agree: there are times when Primes are great and are much easier to have around. As I wrote in the original post, though, my mid-range is totally cost prohibitive.

Just as an example: (all prices CAD, MSRP)
Nikon AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX : $430

Primes Necessary to cover the same range:
18mm: does not exist.
20mm: $670
24mm: $480
28mm: $300
35mm: $400
50mm: $160
70mm: does not exist
Total: $2010.

Now, these lenses are all f/2.8, f/2 or f/1.8, which is considerably faster than a f/3.5-4.5 variable aperture zoom. However, the shots I wouldnt be able to get because of switching makes it totally unuseable

[wulf]

Unfortunately PhotoStats is only for 10.5 and above (I'm still on 10.4).

Wulf

[RichardTaylor]

If got my perfect ( within budget ) system now.

Bodies:
Canon G11
Canon 40D
Canon 5D

Lenses.
Tokina 100mm Macro.

Tokina 12-24 - only sees occasional use on the 40D mostly when shooting locations are tight (the 24 on the next lens meets most of my wide angle day to day needs.

Canon 24-105 F4 L IS - Always used with the 5D. It is my general purpose/walk around lens.

Canon 100-400 F4.5-F5.6 IS L lens. Most of the pics I take are with this lens as I shoot a lot of motor sport. Also used for birding and misc stuff like flowers etc as well. Always used on the 40D

Canon 70-300 F4.5-F5.6 IS - This is my travel telephoto (The 100-400 is a bit heavy for a general purpose walk around tele. It is also a backup for motor sport.

Canon 70-200 F4 L - This is my event long lens (when I am shooting for other people)

Canon 135 F2 L - Love it! Mostly used for events/headshots flowers etc when I am working for myself. Usually used wide open.

I do have a 35 F2 & 50 F1.8 however they see very little use.

With the G11 I am finding that it makes a great addition to your kit when you have your DSLR set up for specific shooting condition. Like if I go birding and I see an interesting scene/flower/spider etc then out comes the G11.

It also comes in handy when my wife, who love taking pics but doesn't care about all the technical stuff, says "take a picture of that & that & that". I just put the G11 on auto and hand her the camera.

Also means I don't have to hand over the 5D - like here!

[blurryimage]

Originally Posted by wulf

Unfortunately PhotoStats is only for 10.5 and above (I'm still on 10.4).

Wulf

Thank you Wulf, I was getting ready to raise my hand to ask the question where can one get PhotoStats. I tried googling it, but did not get the results I was after. Your link saved me an untold amount of time searching for this. (I tend to be obsessive about this kind of stuff)