What would I like for 2009
1. 5D MKII modified for full spectrum - being converted by LifePixel
2. Coastal Optics 185 degree F2.8 circular fisheye
3. Nikon 14-24mm F2.8
Other desires
Some other Oly,Leica,Zeiss lenses - Bought the Oly 250mm F2
Sigma 150mm macro
Sigma 12-24 - mainly for the 12mm focal length
Canon 400mm F2.8
Nikon 300mm F2 - its big its heavy its cumbersome its manual it would spend most time on shelf but hey its a 300mm F2 - Decided its not in the cards got the Oly instead. Besides the Oly is the right color - white
Canon 1200mm - if I sold all my equipment I might be able to get one, would have to keep the extension tubes though as it would be the only lens I would have. Its not in the cards its too big, too heavy, too long, and too expensive.
Surprise purchases I did
135 L F2 - Had no intentions of owning this but it is a great peformer in the IR world with no hot spots and everone keeps saying its one of the best so I got it.
G1 - I wanted a digital that I could use my old FD lens on without glass adapters. Even though it is a 2x crop it fits the bill quite nicely.
I am also looking at thinning down my collection. For the past few months I have been shooting and comparing lens at similar focal lengths and seeing which ones do not fit into my shooting style and needs.
Currently I am pondering the future of my 16-35, 17-40, 70-200 (both F4 and 2.8), 100-400, 50 1.4, 50 1.8 50 macro, and the Nikon E Series 50 1.8, 70-210 and 75-150. They just aren't used much anymore and when reaching for a lens I usually grab a prime or some other lens.
With the purchase of the G1 I am looking at possibly adding one or more of 14mm FD, 15mm Nikon, 15mm FD Fisheye, 18mm Zeiss, 24mm FD
Also to be added to above list
14mm L MKII - replace my current MKI
17mm L T+S
Maybe
24mm MKII - replace current MKI
24mm T+S - replace current MKI
21mm ZF
Actually, I really hadn't planned on any purchases this year other than ink cartridges, paper and the usual consumables. Funny thing about plans though .... I just ended up buying a 1ds MK III (used). Now I have the excuse to update from CS2 to 4!
Actually there is not too much I need and I told myself only to make purchases that will help me earn more money.
So this is my list:
1. BG-E6
2. 580EXII
3. 100/2
4. 300/4IS (See I would love the 2.8 but cant justify spending 3-4k on a lens I will use once a month)
5. replace 50D with used 1DIII (if prices drop around 2.000€ ~ 2500$)
I've discovered, since going digital, that I've found a love for low-light situations...something that 400-1600 ASA film just couldn't satisfactorily handle! Wouldn't you know, after some reluctance and force of habit, that I began to explore 400, 800, 1600 and, yes, even 3200 ISO shooting as time went on playing with my 30D. I still love that camera, and have no plans to retire it, but what I've seen of 6400 ISO, and beyond these days, has got me hankering for a 5D Mark II. However, I'm also enamored of the idea of just jumping into FF (or 1.3) with a 1-series for their more robustness, noise cleanliness and weather sealing.
So, in order of preference, I'd say my choices would be...
5D Mark II
1D Mark III
1Ds Mark II
...and, alternately, just grab a 50D for the time-being for my birding interests, as this would satisfy my desire for more resolution, improved AF and Live View with my current lenses, and it will buy me some time and keep me busy while I wait to see what a 1D Mark IV will offer me.
As for lenses, probably...
24-70mm f/2.8, either the Sigma or the L, for a nice WA for FF
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro, just 'cuz (okay, it's sharpy-sharp and does macro!)
Finally got an Lplate for my 40D from folks at RRS in SLOtown, CA - go CalPoly Mustangs!
now I just want a nice wide L prime
might consider some sort of flash rig this year
With my employer in Chapter 11 and layoffs happening by the thousands, I am in no position currently to buy any photo equipment. If that were to change, I would be buying:
1. Canon 500 f/4L IS
2. 1Ds Mark II
3. Canon 35 f/1.4L
