Tables of haves, hads, wants and trieds:
The pages with the lens information were copied off the Canon USA and the Canon Camera Museum website.
| Camera's we have: | |
| EOS 30D | All new and improved "baby" EOS 1D MK II. A replacement/minor upgrade from the 20D. Some improvements on the 20D: larger screen, efficient buffer, spot metering and less power consumption. |
| EOS 30 + BP-300 | The little brother of the EOS 3, with a battery pack that can hold either 4 penlights or 2 CR123A batteries. Also eye-AF but with less focus points. |
| EOS 500 | Originally bought 2nd hand including the EF35-105 f/4.5-5.6 lens, is borrowed by Kim's father with an EF24-85 f/3.5-4.5 USM |
| Poweshot Ixus 950IS | Tiny, small 10 Mpixels. Very handy for in your pocket on small trips. |
| Camera's we'd like to have: | |
| EOS 5D | Full frame many MPix cam. However a digital EOS 3 ( EOS 3D anyone?) would have preference! |
| Camera's we've had: | |
| EOS 20D | All new and improved "baby" EOS 1D MK II. Since our last holyday we decided we need an 2nd body. We fought all the time over who was holding the 300D while (photo)capturing the wildlife. |
| EOS 300D | Bought 2nd hand with the EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 lens, given to my father in exchange for his digital film camera |
| EOS 3 + BP-E1 and PB-E1 | Top of the line analogous EOS camera. Has 45 point AF and these are eye controllable. Usable with a battery pack (BP-E1) that contains the original 2CR5 battery and 4 penlights. You can switch between either power source. The Power drive Booster (PB-E1) contains 8 penlights and boosts the continuous drive to 6 frames per second. We'll probably sell this and keep the EOS 30. |
| EOS 50e + BP | Nice well featured camera served as a 2nd body until we found an EOS 30. |
| EOS 50e + BP and eyecup | Nice well featured camera, however the flash was too bright and cold when used for portraits and more, also the eye control gave me troubles whilst wearing my glasses .. sold with the EF35-105 f/4.5-5.6 lens, I kept the RC-1 IR remote, which works with the 300D perfectly. May get one again to act as a 2nd body until we can afford a 20D. |
| EOS IX | An APS camera from canon. Has very nice specs, almost identical with the EOS 50. Very quiet as well !! I bought this to acquire an EF24-85 f/3.5-4.5 USM which was the original kitlens for this camera. |
| Powershot S70 | Was believed to be a very good camea (Sx0 series are positioned just below the G-series. However the noise performance was horrid! Sold and bought a tiny ixus instead. |
| Powershot G3 | No EOS camera, primarily for shooting occasional pictures and to give the one not holding the EOS something to shoot with. Particularly nice that it uses the same type of battery as the 300D and 20D and can also be used with the EX range of flashes. We upgraded from a G1 (3.2 mega pixels). The G3 has a 4 mega pixels sensor and is believed to be even better (picture quality wise) than the G5 and G6. |
| Powershot G1 | No EOS camera, primarily for shooting occasional pictures and to give the one not holding the EOS 300D something to shoot with. Particularly nice that it uses the same type of battery as the 300D and can also be used with the EX range of flashes. Was sold and we upgraded to a 2nd hand G3. |
| EOS Elan (100) | Bought 2nd hand with the EF28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM lens, we only wanted the lens but it was a package deal. Actually just as expensive/cheap a just the lens 2nd hand, the body was sold after exchanging the neck strap onto my 300D which did not come with the original. Funny with this camera is that the flash never pops up automatically. I found that this is because there is an US patent for an automated popup of a flash which is not Canon's. |
| Lenses we have: | |
| AF14 f/2.8 EX HSM | A particular lens, lots of wide angele distortion and relatively bright (f/2.8). Used as mainly for indoor photography or crazy shots up close and personal. |
| EF24 f/2.8 + hood | A more standard lens. Complements the lineup nicely. Very sharp and the non-USM is still very rapid. |
| EF24-85 f/3.5-4.5 USM | This is a nice les to fill the gap of 40-70mm. And as it starts at 24 mm it might become a lens we would use a lot for fun shooting. Currently also wears the fitting hood EW-73/73II. Although we have two of these both are on loan to others. |
| EF28 f/1.8 USM + hood | A wonderful very bright (f/1.8) prime lens. Used as the standard lens nowadays sometimes in combination with a Canon Wide Converter WC-DC58 (0.8x) from the G3. |
| EF35-135 f/3.5-4.5 | A jewel from the stone age. reasonable light (3.5-.4.5) and decent sharpness. To take whenever you expect something bad may happen while on a shoot. |
| EF100 f/2.8 Macro and hood ET-62II | Once I got an offer I could not refuse I bought this lens, It's the predecessor of the EF100 f/2.8 Macro USM, is of completely different construction but is at least as good as the new version. It has a focus limiter for Macro-56cm or 56cm-indefinte or full range (Macro-indefinite) focus. There is no original hood for this lens, however the ET-62II works fine. |
| Life Size converter EF | This thing is said to be exclusively for the EF50 f/2.5 Compact Macro however it also works with other lenses. An EF12 extension tube + EF 1.4x II would also do the trick but may degrade the optical quality of the setup. It doesn't report the corrected aperture with other lenses then the EF50 f/2.5 Compact Macro but as the exposure is measured through the lens (TTL) this should not be a problem. Therefore it also works fine on the EF100 f/2.8 Macro. |
| EF12 II + Soligor 20mm & 36mm rings | This enables past 1:1 macro shots with the EF100 f/2.8 Macro. The version II can also be attached to EF-S lenses, the Mark I cannot. Also the Solgor set is crippled for the EF-S mount. |
| EF70-200 f/4L IS USM including hood ET-74 and tripod ring A(W) | Replaced the EF70-200 F/4L USM. This lens is very satisfying. The tripod ring is optional, I bought one second hand, the older version also fits the new IS lens (so no need to upgrade to Tripod ring A(W) II). A black version tripod ring A(B) Canon makes as is ~30 euros less if you would like to buy one new! |
| Extender EF1.4x II | For completing the replacement of the Sigma converting the EF70-200 f/4L IS USM into 98-280 f 1:5.6 with AF. It is the Mark II which is optically identical to the Mark I. The only difference is an anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lens barrel and anti dust/water seals on the Mark II version. Another useful item might be the EF2x II however this will not allow AF unless you tape some contacts. Also the optical quality is less than with the EF1.4x II. The EF2x Mark I is not to be bought, it is optically worse than the new version and horrid for zooms. |
| Extender EF2x II | Makes the EF70-200 f/4L IS USM into an EF140-400L IS USM. Needs some stopping down and AF stops working on non pro bodies (on the EOS 3 it still work!). It can be stacked with the Extender EF1.4x II giving almost 3x your zoomrange! |
| Kenlock 500mm f/8 Mirror | A 500mm mirror lens with M42 mount. Using a M42-EOS mount converter this can be used in manual/semi manual mode on an EOS camera. It even fits the Canon EF1.4x II and EF2x II extenders. However used very little, nominated to be sold. |
| Lenses we wouldn't mind to have: | |
| EF300 f/4L IS USM (built in hood) | As an alternative for the EF400 f/5.6L USM, has AF with the EF1.4x extender (f/5.6) and has IS and is even lighter in weight than the EF400 f/5.6L USM however some reports say that the EF300 with EF1.4x is not as good as the EF400. The IS2 on this lens would have an advantage to the EF400 f/5.6L USM in a few stops. So: lighter, cheaper, IS, AF & 420 with 1.4x, no 560 with 1.4x but 600 with 2x II. |
| EF35-350 f/4.5-5.6 L USM including hood EW-78 II | Tried it once, but was too heavy, we bought the EF17-40 f/4L USM and the EF70-200 f/4L USM instead of this and replacing Cosina. We probably would have a hard time getting used to the push/pull design, we never like the one on the Sigma. Wonderful focal rage though but not compatible with the Extender EF1.4x II. I'm still looking for a bargain, they don't come cheap 2nd hand (>1000 euro). The lens is not being made by Canon anymore (lowest price ever found new was 1550 euro). It has been replaced by the EF 28-300 L USM IS, which is way overpriced (for us) .. |
| EF100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM including hood ET-83C | Would be for wildlife shooting in Africa the EF400 f/5.6L USM may also be an option, however it is a push-pull design lens and is sometimes referred to as unsharp ... maybe the EF300 f/4L IS USM ... |
| EF400 f/5.6L USM | As an alternative to the EF 100-400 f/4.5-56 L IS USM or EF300 f/4L IS USM, should work with the EF 1.4x II extender and no push/pull "hovering" but has no IS, the price/weight/size is approximately the same, whether I will need it for Africa wildlife I'm in doubt, the EF 70-200 f/4 L USM is an EF 157-448 f/5.6 L USM with the EF 1.4x II extender on a 300D (1.6 cropfactor). Since monkey spotting in Guatemala we decided we need at least an EF300 lens + 1.4x, probably the IS f/4 version. |
| Lenses we've had: | |
| EF17-40 f/4L USM including hood EW-83E | Replaced the Cosina 19-35, better glass and range, here is a review. This one was sold after purchasing an EF28 f/1.8 USM which is primarily used. The Wide Angle adapter of the G3 also fits on the EF28 f/1.8 USM and EF24 f/2.8, rendering the EF17-40 f/4 L USM unused. |
| EF50 f/1.8 II and hood ET&ES-62II | Bought and sold as it was eating dust on the shelve. One of the best affordable lenses ever made by Canon. The Mark I is slightly more wanted as the Mark II as the first version had a metal bayonet and a distance scale. The newer version has a plastic bayonet and no distance scale and is said to be optically the same, however I've read some reviews that the Mark I version is slightly better. I've used a Mark II which focuses more quickly, the Mark I is a bit slower having a lesser motor for the AF but is a better indoor lens than the EF50 f/2.5 Compact Macro. We had several of the Mark I variety, every time not using it that much and therefore selling it again and again. I get tempted every time one goes by on selling sites but tell myself I should be happy with the Mark II version which is faster with AF. The hood ET-62II is actually for a telelens (such as the EF100 f/2.8 Macro) and not for a standard 50mm, however on a digital cropcam it's very usable. For Full-frame use an ES-62II can be used. |
| EF50 f/1.8 Mk I and hood EW-65 | One of the best affordable lenses ever made by Canon. The Mark I is slightly more wanted as the Mark II as the first version had a metal bayonet and a distance scale. The newer version has a plastic bayonet and no distance scale and is said to be optically the same, however I've read some reviews that the Mark I version is slightly better. I've used a Mark II which focuses more quickly, the Mark I is a bit slower having a lesser motor for the AF but will be a better indoor lens than the EF50 f/2.5 Compact Macro. We had several of the Mark I variety, every time not using it that much and there fore selling it again. I get tempted every time one goes by on selling sites but tell myself I should be happy with the Mark II version which is faster with AF. |
| EF50 f/2.5 Compact Macro (built in hood) | The EF28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM lens didn't work out and was sold so I bought this one ... Of course a Life Size converter EF or EF12 extension tube + EF 1.4x II would also be nice, first impression is very good. The focusing is rather slow though which makes it difficult sometimes in darker places to use as an all-round lens. An EF20 f/2.8 USM may be better for indoors or an EF50 f/1.8 Mk I. |
| EF70-200 f/4L USM including hood ET-74 | Replaced the Sigma 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 DL. This lens is very satisfying. The tripod ring is optional, if we buy one it would be 2nd hand or the black version Canon makes as it is ~30 euros less in price ! |
| Cosina EF19-35 f/3.5-4.5 including hood | Bought 2nd hand, replaced the EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 lens for compatibility with my EOS 500, it has nice fast and quiet auto focus, sold for the same price as it was bought although the UV filter ended up on the EF17-40 f/4L USM |
| Sigma 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 DL including hood | Push-pull design, works poorly on a 300D (error 99) under certain circumstances (aperture > 4.5/5.6 however not always ...) and cannot be re-chipped by Sigma. Gave reasonable sharpness for a budget 75-300mm lens |
| EF28-80 f/3.5-5.6 Mark I USM | A real ring USM variant of the cheap kit lens. After this one the EF28-80 went downhill becoming plastic mounted and micro USM. I got the chance of buying it once, I played around with it but had no advantages to the EF24-85 f/3.5-4.5 USM apart from feeling a bit more sturdy. |
| EF28-80 f/3.5-5.6 III USM | Came with the EOS 50e, fine kit lens was sold after getting the EF24-85 f/3.5-4.5 USM |
| EF28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM with hood EW-63 II | Fills the gap between 40-70/98, nice light weight for going to parties etc. However it appears that wide open (up to f/5.6) the lens is very unsharp/soft (see lenstest) so I never bought the lens hood. It was even less sharp than the EF28-80 f/3.5-5.6 III USM. The lens was therefore sold and was replaced by an EF50 f/2.5 Compact Macro |
| EF35-105 f/4.5-5.6 | Came with the EOS 500, this noisy little thing sold with the EOS 50e |
| Extender EF1.4x | For completing the replacement of the Sigma converting the EF70-200 f/4L USM into 98-280 f 1:5.6 with AF. It is the Mark I which is optically identical to the Mark II. The only difference is an anti-reflective coating on the inside of the lens barrel. Another useful item might be the EF2x II however this will not allow AF unless you tape some contacts. Also the optical quality is less than with the EF1.4x. The EF2x Mark I is not to be bought, it is optically worse than the new version and horrid for zooms. Has been replaced by a Mark II version. |
| EF2x II | I got the Mark II, which is optically better than the previous version and can be stacked with an EF1.4x (I or II). However combined with a EF70-200 f/4L USM not really useful. One was bought again some year later for our Africa trip. |
| EF-S18-55 f/3.5-5.6 | Came with the EOS 300D, fits on a 300D, 350D or 20D only (EF-S mount), was sold ASAP |
| Stuff we've borrowed in the past: | |
| EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III USM | Marco's dad's, nice lens for holydays, was faster (AF) and better then the Sigma 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 DL lens |
| Speedlite 430EZ | My dad's flash unit, nice however doesn't do E-TTL on the 300D, one needs an EX flash for that and the new camera's do not support TTL, which I still find a shame on Canon (as the EOS 50 and IX support E-TTL and TTL). |
| Other stuff: | |
| Speedlite 550EX --> 580EX | A marvellous flash unit, enables 2nd curtain synchronisation and FEC (without applying a firmware hack to the 300D) Including a stack of rechargeable AA batteries. Was replaced by a 580EX |
| Remote RC-1 | I bought this with the EOS 50e and also works on the 300D |
| RS60-E3 Alternative | As building something yourself I made one of these .. |
| RS60-E3 Clone | Actually it is a remote for the 10D/20D e.a. However it has an extra connection with which you can connect a second camera, using the right cable this hooks on to a 300D !! So a 2 in 1 remote actually. |
| Mini Tripod | I've had this ever since the EOS 50e it's a bit broken though, it doesn't really keep the weight up ... |
| X's-Drive Pro | Its a Hard Drive with built in card reader and can copy your pictures to this hard drive so you can reuse the memory card. This X's-Drive is now with my dad, I decided to buy a CompactDrive in stead which is faster, smaller and takes regular AA sized batteries. |
| CompactDrive PD7X | Its a Hard Drive with built in card reader and can copy your pictures to this hard drive so you can reuse the memory card. Only faster than any other "imagetank"-like machine. Runs on 4 AA size batteries and contains a 2.5" hard drive of virtually any size (currently max. 100GB). Besides this it can also very conveniently used as an external USB 2.0 hard-drive for logging data from one PC to another. |
| Compact Flash Cards | Sandisk Ultra II (2x256 & 1x512 MB) another 512MB card and one 32 MB from Canon (G3) |
| Filters | UV filters on all the lenses, 1 linear polarisation filter 77 mm, one 52-58-67-72-77 stepuprings, Cokin filterholder (52 and 58 mm) with several filters including a circular polarisation filter. |
| BP-511's | Three real BP-511, one BP-511a and 2 extra's however not the real thing (brandless). |
| AA Batteries | 4x Duracell Ni-MH 2050 mAh, 12x hapé 2300 mAh, 12x GP2300 mAh, 4x GP 2100 mAh . For use in the Speedlite and CompactDrive. Recharged within the hour using a GP Powerbank Smart2. |
| Probably more to come .... |
>> BACK