Back to Square One! Almost.....

[Liz]

And I love it!

Some of you know that due to a back/neck problem after a car accident, I sold my heavier/longer lenses abut a year ago. I kept the XTi and the 28mm/f1.8 and the 50mm/f1.4. However, I actually thought that eventually I might end up selling the rest of my equipment if I could find a p&s that I really liked. After trying out a few Canons, I ended up with the G9. It's a great camera that I enjoy using, and I can get some excellent results.

To help me adjust, I made a point to carry the G9 and leave the XTi at home. However, I began to really miss the XTi. I missed everything about it - including the weight. My hands almost "itched" at times just to get back the "feel" of the DSLR. Then the 12 y/o daughter of a friend got a Nikon D40 for Christmas - and I couldn't keep my hands off of it! (A Nikon no less).

Then Larry (OT) had to go and buy a Tokina 12-24, posted the images - and I just couldn't take it anymore. Since I've always wanted a wide angle, this pushed me over the edge and I ordered one today. So.......the XTi is coming out of the closet along with my 2 remaining lenses...........and I am sooooooooo happy!

Let me just say that the G9 is a great camera. I am NOT sorry I purchased it and I enjoy using it. I will still get a lot of use out of it as I carry it around in my car. I was looking for a nice p&s anyway and I would have purchased the G9 either way. There is room for both in my life and there are days that a need a lighter weight camera. I'm not sorry I sold the heavier lenses - I still wouldn't be able to carry them around.

Having said that, I noticed that I stopped taking my photography as seriously just using the G9. I guess I'm addicted to the DSLR and nothing else really does it for me. Just thinking about getting a new lens is as exciting as it ever was.......even more so now!

I just wanted to share my experience here - this is where I came to ask what kind of camera to get about 10 years ago when I first became interested in photography. I got an overwhelming "get a dslr" from people here at the time. And, I've learned most everything I know about photography on PR and made a lot of friends.

For some reason, I probably feel just as happy today looking for that FedEx package as I did when I got that first DSLR. I'm really glad you guys and gals are here to share it with!

Liz

[brmill26]

Fantastic Liz. After seeing some of the images coming from that lens, I think you are going to really enjoy getting the XTi out again. Have fun and show us what it can do!

[Photo-John]

The Tokina 12-24mm lens is a winner. I do kinda miss the extra two millimeters on the Canon 10-22mm lens, though :-(

[Liz]

The Tokina 12-24mm lens is a winner. I do kinda miss the extra two millimeters on the Canon 10-22mm lens, though :-(

Well, I won't miss what I didn't have! Hopefully! Besides those 2mm come at a price of about $100 each.

Liz

[Liz]

Fantastic Liz. After seeing some of the images coming from that lens, I think you are going to really enjoy getting the XTi out again. Have fun and show us what it can do!

Thanks! I will certainly post some shots.......hopefully we'll have a bit of good weather by Wednesday - meaning some sun vs rain - and a bit warmer than the low 40's.

Liz

[mn shutterbug]

Glad to hear thet you're getting back into the thick of things. :thumbsup: I can't imagine getting a DSLR at the age of 12. Lucky kid, although maybe a bit spoiled. :wink5:

[Liz]

Glad to hear thet you're getting back into the thick of things. :thumbsup: I can't imagine getting a DSLR at the age of 12. Lucky kid, although maybe a bit spoiled. :wink5:

Actually, the girl is 14 - typo. She is quite smart - and has many talents and gifts. She plays the piano and will be playing in Carnegie Hall later this year. She is into sports - and loves photography.

So.........her Dad made a deal with her........he would get her the Nikon for Christmas if he can "borrow" it sometimes. He has wanted a DSLR himself for a couple of years, but told me he wouldn't use it often enough to warrant buying one - and she has been asking for a "good" camera with manual controls for a while. Not a bad deal IMO for a young girl! She also has a couple of nice lenses.

Liz

[adina]

Glad to hear thet you're getting back into the thick of things. :thumbsup: I can't imagine getting a DSLR at the age of 12. Lucky kid, although maybe a bit spoiled. :wink5:

My kids (7 and 9) are both very proficient with the digital Elph we have, and my youngest loves the Holga. This summer, I'm going to let my oldest out with the 10d that I have sitting around. While I'm not buying them thier own dslr, they've shown enough interest for us to let them run with it.

But what's the difference between buying them an entry level dslr, and buying the latest gaming system and a dozen games? At least they might learn something with the camera.

I'm not picking on you just posing a few questions.

btw...Liz, that's great to hear! I've been looking at the wide angles, but can't justify the cost right now, I've so much other things sucking money from me. Like boxes. You'd not believe how much boxes cost. Looking forward to seeing more images from you.

Also, my mom is going to be traveling quite frequently from here to the east coast this year. I'm going to get me 70-200 f/4 fixed and send that with her. I'm going to see if I can get her to post some of her stuff....depends I guess on if they get a laptop.

One more btw...do you still here from Charles Hess? I wonder how he is, I've got an email from him sitting in my inbox, waiting until we get out to Philly to give him a call.

[Old Timer]

I can't wait to see how you put that 12-24 to work Liz. I haven't used a wide as much as I should over the digital age, mainly because I didn't have the option available. Now with the 12-24 in the camera bag I feel I have everything I need to get the shot I envision. I really don't think you will have any problem settling into a very comfortable relationship with your new lens.

[Liz]

Also, my mom is going to be traveling quite frequently from here to the east coast this year. I'm going to get me 70-200 f/4 fixed and send that with her. I'm going to see if I can get her to post some of her stuff....depends I guess on if they get a laptop.

Adina, that's great! Your Mom really must be doing quite well. Does she still have the 300D? I'd love to see some of her work. I always loved the results I got from the 300D. For some reason, I have to work harder to get those results with the 400D.

One more btw...do you still here from Charles Hess? I wonder how he is, I've got an email from him sitting in my inbox, waiting until we get out to Philly to give him a call.

I lost his email address. He had emailed me a few months back - and I didn't reply right away. I've since lost a few of my email addresses - I have gmail and this never happened before. We usually keep in touch, although sometimes it's quite a long time between the emails.

Liz

[Liz]

I can't wait to see how you put that 12-24 to work Liz. I haven't used a wide as much as I should over the digital age, mainly because I didn't have the option available. Now with the 12-24 in the camera bag I feel I have everything I need to get the shot I envision. I really don't think you will have any problem settling into a very comfortable relationship with your new lens.

OT - I can't wait to see what that lens can do either! I'm going to check the weather for the next few days - maybe a trip to the Big Apple will be in the forecast.

The widest I ever owned was the 17-40L and I LOVED that lens. I sold it when I sold my heavier lenses. It wasn't quite wide enough on the XTi so I didn't use it a whole lot, but it's an awesome lens. However, I wouldn't be able to purchase the 12-24 if I hadn't sold it. I know the 12-24 is no featherweight either; however, I'm going to try different carrying methods - like across the shoulder type thing.

I can't wait until tomorrow - Fed Ex is on the way! :thumbsup:

Liz