New member needs help

[lurechunker]

I am new to the forum and asking for help. Our granddaughter plays basketball and I would like to photograph her. I kayak and would like to photograph birds. Is the EOS 760D the camera for me? Other? What lens or lenses? How can I protect my equipment form damage from saltwater? Thank you.

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

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@lurechunker wrote:
My 80D with 18-55 from Canon store will arrive tomorrow. I think I made a mistake by not getting the 28-135. Should I leave the 18-55 in the box and send it back? I'd like to start with an "all-round" lens and one long enough for back yard birds.

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Do you mean 18-135, instead of 28-135?  The 18-135 lenses are pretty good.  BUT, they will likely cast a shadow when you try to use the flash.  I know that older 18-135mm lenses cast a major shadow on a T5, so I would expect a shadow on an 80D.  The 18-55mm lens has a 35mm equivalent of 29-88mm, which is pretty close to 24-70mm that is very popular for use with full frame camera bodies.

The  STM version of the 18-55mm is a really good lens.  I would hang on to it.  I can guarantee you that whatever plans you have for using the camera, you will find new scenarios to use it.  I would keep the 18-55mm, and pass on buying a 18-135, so that you can budget more money towards your birding lens.  If you can afford to do all of the above, then by all means, buy all of the lenses you want.

[jrhoffman75]

Look at Think Tank StreetWalker Pro or Harddrive. 

[TCampbell]

I've gone through (and still own) a LOT of bags.  I initially tried finding "a bag" that would hold my gear but the problem these days is it's been enough years that it's not possibly for any bag to hold all my gear.  

I do not own (but am intrigued by) the "Everyday Backpack" (Trey Ratcliff promotes it).

I do have different bags depending on event/occasion/type of shooting.   If I'm walking around all day, I use a Black Rapid sling strap and I have a ThinkTank belt that has individual lens bags on the belt -- adding only the bags for the lenses I think I'll actually use that day (and everything else stays home or in my main rolling cases.)

If I think the camera will need more protection (e.g. weather may become an issue, etc.) then I have a ThinkTank "holster" type bag which is designed with a telescoping bottom and extends down far enough (when the extension is unzipped) to hold my camera with the 70-200mm lens with the hood attached (they make a version of this for cameras with and without a battery grip.)

I'd probably check out the Think Tank "Restrospective" messenger bags. 

It's usually not a good idea to advertise the value of your gear by using any bags that carry camera logos on them (theft magnet).  So one of the 'features' I look for in a bag (besides holding my gear) is a bag that doesn't scream "expensive camera inside... steal me!".  That means I prefer a bag with minimal or no visible branding (or at least no obvious branding).

[lurechunker]

What about buying a used or refurbished lens from B&H?

[Waddizzle · Accepted solution]

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@lurechunker wrote:

What about buying a used or refurbished lens from B&H?

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I am not sure if I have seen any Canon refurbished gear at B&H, not in the last few years for sure.  If you want to buy Canon refurbished gear, then I would only recommend the Canon refurbished store.  They will give you a one year warranty, not just a  "guarantee" of some kind.  

I think B&H has a fairly good and objective rating system for their used gear.  I think much of it is a bit pricey, though.  Many times they will offer used gear that is rated "good" that has an asking price that is more than what is being offered in the Canon Refurbished Store.  

Check what the B&H guarantee and return policy might be for used gear.  I've bought a used tripod head and a "hi-hat" tripod from B&H, and I think I had a 15 day return window, and a 30 day guarantee.

Good judgement needs to exercised when buying used gear.  You must consider the source.  You must consider the return policy, for which B&H has a good reputation.  You must consider the cost/benefit of expensive gear without a warranty.  You must consider can the used gear be repaired, if needed in the near future.  

With used camera gear, there is always a risk of mold and mildew contamination.  Canon's refurbished gear has that new gear smell to it, so I think the contamination risk is small to non-existent with Canon.

[EDIT]. If what you want is out of stock at the Canon Refurbished Store, be patient.  Most of the items will be back in stock in a month, or two, or three.  The "L" series lenses can sell out very quickly.  

[lurechunker]

My thanks to all who have posted. Update: I bought a refurb 80D and 18-55 lens from Canon. I received Ruggard Outrigger 45 from B&H today. I have downloaded Canon EOS Utility and DPP. I have images on my computer that I would like to email. How can I reduce the file size for email? I tried the Canon help desk. The lady was not willing to help me.

[Waddizzle]

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@lurechunker wrote:

My thanks to all who have posted. Update: I bought a refurb 80D and 18-55 lens from Canon. I received Ruggard Outrigger 45 from B&H today. I have downloaded Canon EOS Utility and DPP. I have images on my computer that I would like to email. How can I reduce the file size for email? I tried the Canon help desk. The lady was not willing to help me.

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You can use the Batch Utility [under the File menu in DPP to specify and output file size, aspect ratio, or resolution.

[ElizabethH]

Thanks to all who are replying! This is really helpful. 

[lurechunker]

For what it may be worth, I sent emails to B&H and Wimberly. Both suggested that a long lens like a Tamron 150-600 G2 on an 80D would be okay on a sidekick and a myfoto globetrotter carbon tripod. Wimberly recommended that I purchase a Wimberly P-30 lens plate for a safe coupling. I mean no disrespect and I do not want to start an argument. Since I already own the globetrotter, I'd like to put it to good use.The max capacity is 26.4 puunds. The lens weighs 4.42 pounds and the sidekick weighs 1.3 pounds. With 80D, the total would be about 7 pounds or about 1/3 the rated capacity. It's possible that balance could be an issue if changing between 150 and 600. I appreciate your help.

[Waddizzle]

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@lurechunker wrote:

For what it may be worth, I sent emails to B&H and Wimberly. Both suggested that a long lens like a Tamron 150-600 G2 on an 80D would be okay on a sidekick and a myfoto globetrotter carbon tripod. Wimberly recommended that I purchase a Wimberly P-30 lens plate for a safe coupling. I mean no disrespect and I do not want to start an argument. Since I already own the globetrotter, I'd like to put it to good use.The max capacity is 26.4 puunds. The lens weighs 4.42 pounds and the sidekick weighs 1.3 pounds. With 80D, the total would be about 7 pounds or about 1/3 the rated capacity. It's possible that balance could be an issue if changing between 150 and 600. I appreciate your help.

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After sitting in traffic for a couple of hours, I contemplated on a using a long zoom like the 150-600 that changes its' length.  Seeing how the 150-600 can lock at 600mm, then it shouldn't be much of a problem. 

Get the balance as close as you can at 600mm.  I think the you'll be using it locked at 600mm most of the time, anyway, just as if it were a 600mm prime.  If you do use a shorter focal length, it would more than likely be just temporarily, for a very short period of time.

I suggested using weight bags, and so did Robert.  Don't forget to add the weight of the ball head, too, which you can estimate as an additional pound.  The load ratings of tripods are a pretty grey area.  Some manufacturers seem to over rate their gear, while others seem to under rate their gear. 

Worry more about the setup being top heavy, which it will be without any leg weights. How's the feel with the supplied ball head?

[lurechunker]

Thanks for the idea of adding mass to lower the CG and increase stability. The globetrotter has an attach point for additional (rocks) weight. The sidekick costs about $300 with the additional plate. A full Wimberly gimbal head goes for $595. I'm leaning toward the former in order to avoid a costly divorce.