I have a very base Camera and Lense, I have not been able to upgrade either yet as we all race ourselves,so money is abit tied up at the moment.
Ive made due with what I have , but find outdoor MX racing ALOt easier to use than for shooting indoors.
Heres a link to a fw of my pics
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies

Can ya'll tell me what Tele Lense would be best for both indoor (stadium)and outdoor for my Camera?
Also, what Flash do I go with??
I have the Rebel XT ,
These are a few of my Favorites, I have alot more nice photos but they are all on disc right now.
This is my Daughter
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70671474.jpg

Track in Utah I visited this summer
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70671490.jpg

Saint Anthonys Sand Dunes in Idaho
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70671489.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70459808.jpg
indoor FT series,pit bikes
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70460459.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70462803.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71172622.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71173180.jpg


Thisone I was playing with the photo trying to come up with soemthing creative
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71173675.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71175184.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71179520.jpg

I thought these turned out pretty good considering all the dust we had
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/68946987.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/68946983.jpg

My Son
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/68947447.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/68947450.jpg
MY Husband
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71235217.jpg




It took many shots to get anything decent,sometimes it feels liek a waste when I have such a slow lense,but I still enjoy shooting sport events!
Ive taken over 10,000 in a year nio this Camera so I had tried various settings
My Lense is a Canon 75-3004-5.6- it is not the IS either.


Hope you enjoyed the pics!:)
Tina

Go with the canon 70-200 F2.8 . Yes it's spendy but you will love it.Jimmy B

Can you tell me the best place to purchase from??
Whats the price on one and /or where to buy ? I dont think most of the Camera shops here locally REALLY know what they are selling(been there...done that..!)
Im guessing around 1800.00??:mad2:
Will it fit my XT body OK?
Does it work well with the XT Camera?

Does Canon make a 28-200 2.8 ?
All things considered,Im hoping all this practice with a base laense, will make me a TERIFFIC photographer when I do get a nice lense.:)

Just thought I'd stop in to take a peek. Very impressed with the one titled "my husband" and the one in the sand dunes!

Thank you Very much! :)

I took a few at the dunes I liked,one was a lilte dark around the face and chest, but I like how the sand is caught in almost like a shadow off the bottom of his quad.
Do you think Ill shoot alot better and obviously, better results once I get a better lense?
Like I already mentioned, Im a littlefusterated with my resources right now,its just tough to cough up at the moment .
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70671476.jpg


I LOVE this shot, only wish I had the proper settings at the time(wasnt sure much about ISO at that time)
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70671482.jpg
Thiswas a great wk end of riding, I cant WAIT to ty more next summer now that I have learned more with my Camera!
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/70671488.jpg

Loupey, I stopped by and looked at your website...
Absolutely BREATHTAKING photos!

I had to go and pick sport photography... LOL! Thats tough stuff to shoot!

The 2.8 lens will only improve on what you have with your XT. Canon "L" glass is the only way to go. I want more and will get some down the line. Search around and find the best deal.
Great looking shots.
Jimmy B

...
Do you think Ill shoot alot better and obviously, better results once I get a better lense?
Like I already mentioned, Im a littlefusterated with my resources right now,its just tough to cough up at the moment .


IMO, the best possible thing that any photographer can do to improve is to push his/her own existing equipment to its full potential. That way, one learns new techniques and one can focus more on the subject instead of trying to constantly learn new equipment.

My advice is always the same. First and foremost, thoroughly understand and practice the fundamentals (exposure, composition, timing, focus). Forcing yourself to shoot full manual (exposure and focus) will help expedite this.

A good eye (attached to a good brain and hands) is always better than a good lens :)

B & H sells the 70 - 200 IS for around $1600. I got the non IS for around $1200. It is a great lens and will help improve your shots somewhat. It will still come down to exposure, timing and focus. Your shutter speeds will be able to go up with the 2.8. It is a lot of money, but it is a call you will have to make.

Good luck..Phil

You have a great eye with those shots.

I love the airborn ones and the one withthe dark sand trail under the quad is awesome.

As others have mentioned the 70-200 f2.8 would definitely improve the brightness of your shots but you seem to be doing quite well with the equipment that you have.

Keep it up and keep posting.

I would say #1 purchase ought to be the 580EX flash.
While you keep shooting into the sun, or against the sky, no lens however good is going to get more light in the rider's face in those quad shots.
For other events where there's less light, I too have the 70-200 f2.8 IS

Ya'll are AWESOME!
I appreicate ALL your help more than you know ;)

I think I can swing this one
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-2-8L-USM-2569A004/sem/rpsm/oid/164247/catOid/-13068/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
or
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-Telephoto-Lens-7042A002/sem/rpsm/oid/141633/catOid/-13068/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Can someone please tell me what the big dif is between the two,other than one is IS and one is not?
Will this have much effect between the two lenses? I would like to get it before I shoot Nationals next month, I just cant quite squeeze the more expensive one right now,but could afford the Flash and one lense I think for the one w/o IS
Thoughts??
Also, BOTH these lenses will fit an XT-Correct?
I

alot of times for Quad shots, I dont always have the choice in having the sun directly behind me, in most instances, its beside me most of the day

This is another one of my Favorites.

http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/71501656.jpg

The IS is great for low light shots with out the flash. This was taken in PHX, Az back in Nov. during the truck race Friday night. Mr. Norman Krentz, Long time friend of mine.

Ya'll are AWESOME!
I appreicate ALL your help more than you know ;)

I think I can swing this one
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-2-8L-USM-2569A004/sem/rpsm/oid/164247/catOid/-13068/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
or
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-Telephoto-Lens-7042A002/sem/rpsm/oid/141633/catOid/-13068/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Can someone please tell me what the big dif is between the two,other than one is IS and one is not?
Will this have much effect between the two lenses? I would like to get it before I shoot Nationals next month, I just cant quite squeeze the more expensive one right now,but could afford the Flash and one lense I think for the one w/o IS
Thoughts??
Also, BOTH these lenses will fit an XT-Correct?
I

alot of times for Quad shots, I dont always have the choice in having the sun directly behind me, in most instances, its beside me most of the day

The major difference is the IS, but the glass and mechanics are slightly different as well. The higher priced model is the 3rd generation IS. Both fit the XT.
Those prices are pretty high for those lenses! Check these out: http://hotbuyselectronics.com/canon_zoom_lenses.htm
I bought from them a couple years back and they delivered on time, just don't let them try to sell you the "extras". I made my order on a Sunday afternoon and by 9pm it was already showing up in UPS's shipping tracking! I recieved the items before 7pm Tuesday. I was pretty satisfied with the place even though their name just screams SCAM. I later found out that the place is actually multiple business with multiple websites selling the same stuff at different prices, I just happened to find the one with the best prices :)
Anyway, you can get the IS version and flash with these prices.

After you get your new glass, no matter who you get it from get a Hoya UV(0) filter, and make sure it's the 0 and not another number. It's around $46 but it's a cheap insurance policy for damage to your glass! And it won't affect color.

JS

Oh yes, a filter will be guarenteed.. I always shoot with one
circuit city was just an example ,I wasnt neccesarily going to buy from there,I actually thought about getting it where I bought my Camera( buydig.com) it was just an examlpe, I seen other sites for lees, but theres still quite a dif. in price between the two

I still think I may go with the cheaper of the two,its def. ALOT more lense than what I have now .
Jimmy- Phoenix is where Ill be headed for Natioanls next month too :)

I bought the lense today, Ill try and get the flash in two weeks- Im so stoked! :)

I was told to also get a Flash battery pack? Ive never used an external flash before , so Im clueless to exactly what that is.??
Is this another thing that runs off an additional battery for back up source?
I will be getting the 580ex flash and also a battery grip.

I had such great light for this race
http://upload.pbase.com/image/71819126/original.jpg

Thats a POTW shot there! But it will probably be next weeks as SW already this one. Nice job there!

The battery pack for the 580EX just gives quicker cycling times. you can do it without it though by using the flash manually or using fill flash mode to get quicker cycle times. The only thing with the pack is it gives you better full flash cycle times. i haven't bothered to get one as it it just another thing to carry around, damage, lose or get ripped off. The 580EX has plenty of shots (700) in fill flash mode so I thats enough.

JS

Thanks, glad ya like it! that again was with the 75-300 non IS lens, I had really good results that day shooting!
thanks for the info on the battery pack, that will allow me some time to recoop from the expense if I dont really need it just yet.. LOL
Im doing some indoor shots Jan. 5th so Ill be excited to give the new lense a try

you all have been a great help-thanks again ;)

btw...whats SW,sorry Im still a somewhat nebiew here lol

Tina

Hi Tina.....hmmm, i should check bio's more often :blush2: :D Glad to help! SW is SmartWombat, the man who picks the POTW normally.

Wow, you took that with the 75-300? Thats the best shot I have EVER seen with that lens! I had one at one time but returned it after 6 months as it was just plain JUNK! It had issues with the barrel coming loose all the time and I had it fixed 6 or 7 times. The last time I told them to keep it and traded it for another lens.

The 70-200 is much heavier than what your used to, so get used to the wieght and practice with it before going out and shooting a whole day or you'll be very sore :eek: But don't cheat and use a monopod, get used to it because shooting action a monopod just gets in the way, especially with unpredictable action. And shoot safe, always have a way out!

JS

I think so many of your photos are stunning. I mean as in my jaw hit the keyboard numerous times. I'd say go with the 70-200mm USM IS f2.8, but it doesn't even look like you need it! lol

As for flash I'm with ya. Just got one, don't get it..... Guess I should take it out of the box. That might help. ;)

JETA, yeah, the flash works better if it's out of the box. Getting the hotshoe to contect with the cardboard in the way is..... well, impossible with damaging something !

Nice to see you back, I take it you survived the storm?

JS

Hi Tina.....hmmm, i should check bio's more often :blush2: :D Glad to help! SW is SmartWombat, the man who picks the POTW normally.

Wow, you took that with the 75-300? Thats the best shot I have EVER seen with that lens! I had one at one time but returned it after 6 months as it was just plain JUNK! It had issues with the barrel coming loose all the time and I had it fixed 6 or 7 times. The last time I told them to keep it and traded it for another lens.

The 70-200 is much heavier than what your used to, so get used to the wieght and practice with it before going out and shooting a whole day or you'll be very sore :eek: But don't cheat and use a monopod, get used to it because shooting action a monopod just gets in the way, especially with unpredictable action. And shoot safe, always have a way out!

JS

Yeah, its a 75-.300 . I guess since I only had that one lense for a year I learned how to make it work.. lol
I shot photos for 26 hours last spring with it and OMG... I was sooo SORE! MY neck felt like it was in a million knots for a few days ..lol
I personally do NOT like a Monopod for action shots, I cannot get the angle shots I like to shoot and find it cumbersome so getting used to the weight will be a big change Im sure.MY lense has held together very well, I cant complain, it got me by all this time ,just a little more blur than i would like to see and indoor racing it does horrible

I appreciate all the kind words, I have only been shooting with this camera(has a point and shoot before that) for about a year now and I read..read.. READ!(Oh- and shoot!)
Im clueless on the flash, I hope it comes with some kind of directions!:p

I think so many of your photos are stunning. I mean as in my jaw hit the keyboard numerous times. I'd say go with the 70-200mm USM IS f2.8, but it doesn't even look like you need it! lol

As for flash I'm with ya. Just got one, don't get it..... Guess I should take it out of the box. That might help. ;)

JETA, yeah, the flash works better if it's out of the box. Getting the hotshoe to contect with the cardboard in the way is..... well, impossible with damaging something !

Nice to see you back, I take it you survived the storm?

JS

Are you from the Wash. area?

Yeah, JETA had a tree land on house...again! She has photos in the Viewfinder Forum....I'm just glad they were OK!

Why are you all making flash sound difficult? It's actually rather easy, especially if your using digital, and use manual settings on your camera. The 580 makes it easier if you use the fill flash. It's as simple as practicing, looking at the photo then going and looking at your histogram if you need too. A day or two and you'll have it figured out.

JS

Do you use fill flash for indoor staduim shooting as well?
Im making it sound difficult cause Ive never used one,so its foreign to me,but I like to try new things so I look forward to it LOL
Ive also never really shot with fully manual,only used TV and Av(my favorite)
One thing I do not like about my Camera is the viewfinder is too small

VETA~~you didnt happen to be at the Horn Rapid Harescramble in Richland this fall did you? I come over from Idaho to shoot the event,there was another photog. there, thought maybe it might have been you :)
Looks liek tehre is a few from the NW whos on the site :)

Tina,
I have actually started using fill flash most of the time, inside and out. i did a shoot Saturday at an airport for a paper and even outside in the sun used the fill flash and was glad I did as things looked great once I looked at them on the computer. no dark areas when the subject was under the wing and even shots through the glass worked out well, without the flash reflection you'd expect. For the ones through the glass I used the modeling flash to let the 580 see the reflective areas and it set itself so that didn't occur but you didn't have any bad dark areas on the pilot.

what camera do you have?

I doubt JETA was at that race, she pretty much shoots her son's sporting events in their schools.....and does very well too!

JS

I just have rthe Rebel XT
Mylensee and flash arrived ahead of time(yesterday) the only problem is...
I haven NOTHING to shoot right now! lol
Too cold,no racing until Jan.
And WOW.. It IS heavy for sure! Time to go pump some Iron!
I will most def. need to get a backpack next(along long with a UV protector,Ill get that locally) as my bag wont fit this lense and its a pain to have in the feild anyow.
BTW.. Does it REALLY make a difference who the manufactuer is on a UV filter?everything thats sold locally is by Promaster.

Are you from the Wash. area?

Smack dab in the state! :)

Yeah, JETA had a tree land on house...again! She has photos in the Viewfinder Forum....I'm just glad they were OK!

Why are you all making flash sound difficult? It's actually rather easy, especially if your using digital, and use manual settings on your camera. The 580 makes it easier if you use the fill flash. It's as simple as practicing, looking at the photo then going and looking at your histogram if you need too. A day or two and you'll have it figured out.

JS

Yep. Tree on house. Not good.

JS, I'm assuming my flash is difficult cuz I like to keep it in the box. ;)

I just have rthe Rebel XT
Mylensee and flash arrived ahead of time(yesterday) the only problem is...
I haven NOTHING to shoot right now! lol
Too cold,no racing until Jan.
And WOW.. It IS heavy for sure! Time to go pump some Iron!
I will most def. need to get a backpack next(along long with a UV protector,Ill get that locally) as my bag wont fit this lense and its a pain to have in the feild anyow.
BTW.. Does it REALLY make a difference who the manufactuer is on a UV filter?everything thats sold locally is by Promaster.

I can't vouch for the promaster series of filters. I use the Hoya UV(0) only because it was recommended due to the fact it will do it's job and not affect the colors. There was an instant difference between that filter and the one I used before, and wether the Promaster is the same I have no clue.
If the local dealer is any good he can get you the Hoya though, just make certain it's the UV(0), that zero is important! Anything over zero will affect the colors.
Well since you have nothing to shoot, it's time to FIND something, even if it's birds in the back yard. They are great for panning practice :)

OH, on your Rebel, never hold the camera with that lense on it, always hold the lense. As you noticed it's a heavy lens, with quality glass in it, that glss is most of the weight, but then the metal body adds some too. It's 3lbs, panning will be different now with a light body and heavy lens, if you have to stand near a road and practice panning as the cars go by, sounds stupid, but it will help.

JS

Yep. Tree on house. Not good.

JS, I'm assuming my flash is difficult cuz I like to keep it in the box. ;)

No, but it certainly won't work while it's IN the box :) It's just for some reason everyone seems to be afraid of the 580EX and thinking it's smarter than they are. OK, it IS smarter than me, but I learned quickly to defeat it, only took a couple days and I was getting what I wanted out of it, after that it's just been learning new things with it, some I haven't tried yet but plan too soon!

JS

yes, those flashes are very intimidating. I agree with John. You've just gotta work with it, and shoot with it, and learn from it. I keep putting it off, but it'll be one of those things that once I've got it, I'll wish I would have learned about it months earlier. like white balance.

Well, some of the posts about the flash have scared the bageebees out of me.

In honor of you and the help you give me I pulled it out, put batteries in it and got it hooked up to the 1D. Took a few pics and it worked great. I'm not going to have time to read the manual until after xmas though. The whole tree going through my roof thing backed up my holiday baking. I still haven't started!

yes, those flashes are very intimidating. I agree with John. You've just gotta work with it, and shoot with it, and learn from it. I keep putting it off, but it'll be one of those things that once I've got it, I'll wish I would have learned about it months earlier. like white balance.

For me hands on is the best way to learn. I start reading about the new camera gear I bought and I freeze. That's my nature. Just like you livin. How long did it take me to really start working with my 1D? I totally regret. Once it was in my hands I started learning.

WB is still something I haven't touched and need to. I have however taken notes from your posts about it. Like the coffee filter. :D

Well tonight I will be giving the 580ex a real workout at one of the states worst lit gyms. The last time I was there 3 or 4 years ago it was so dark the flash I had barely lit up the closest players. I think the 580 will deal with it, but no matter what the results should be interesting.. i'm also going to play a bit with some of the 580's other flash modes which should get some interesting results. If I can I'll post some in another thread.

BTW, anyone got any scuba gear, the dog and I need some as the yard is flooding AGAIN! It didn't rain for 5 days yet the ground was still nothing but mud, now we are in for an addittional 2" of rain. My yard will never dry out and I won't get the garage built!

JS

JS, post your link when you post your shots, Id like to see them!
So how strange is it to hold just the lense?that will take some getting use too! Seems like that would be hard to do for fast, close up, or "aritime"shots ??
I was looking forward to a little snowcross with my Family on Christmas Eve, but I think the weather has been too nasty this week to really get out and do what I wanted to with it, I guess we will play Sunday by ear ;)

Well unfortunately they fixed thelighting at that school:blush2: guess they did it a year after I was last there. Must have been my comments about the dungeon. Oh well.

as for posting photos, I always upload them here, and avoid the links. I know about the weather controling your plans, I have been trying for a couple weeks to get a garage strted and it just won't dry out here :( Even my big ole 4x4 with 40" tires has trouble getting through the back yard!

JS

Thats a POTW shot there!
I like it too, but I think it may be over-processed.
The while halo around dark items in the image looks like either in in-camera sharpening is too high, or it was over done afterwards in post processing perhaps.
The timing is great.

I got some free time to take a Christmas Eve ride and test it out..
Oh my... I def. need to do some arm curls..LOL!
Had fun ALOT to get used to so Ill end the topic here
Thanks again for the push to get the set up ;)
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/72092976.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/72092989.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/72092995.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/72094206.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/quadjunkies/image/72094908.jpg

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