Team-BHP - The DSLR Thread

Guys, am a little surprised here to see the prices of Canon550D dropping so quickly.
Around 2 weeks back it was listed at 33,999/- on letsbuy, then they reduced it to 33,495/-(with kit lens, 4gb card and bag) and now I see this.
Buy Canon DSLR EOS 550D (with EF S18-55mm IS Kit) - The Best Selling Canon DSLR at Lowest Ever Price at Best Price in India - Also find Specifications, Photos, Features & Reviews

32,995/- along with a tripod free.
But look at the body only pricing at Rs.32,375/-
Buy Canon DSLR EOS 550D (Body Only) at Best Price in India - Also find Specifications, Photos, Features & Reviews

How is Letsbuy managing this or rather why the price of 550D is dropping so quickly. I see more stability in prices of Nikon D5100.
Was just wondering, as I bought a 550D myself last week:)

Quote:

Originally Posted by amolpol (Post 2443509)

I do carry my rig on my shoulders and move around in the field, your post has seeded dangerous thoughts in my mind again. Will see if I can have someone get it for me, but its not a show stopper for sure. :D

That $70 may be worth it if you are carrying lakhs worth of photographic equipment mounted on the tripod head. Better safe than sorry. That's what makes the pros abroad buy it. FUD by the creators of that safety plate? Possibly, as Gitzo have not acknowledged this 'defect' that MAY arise only if you have a large telephoto and a heavy camera mounted on the tripod AND you walk around with it slung over your shoulder. Gitzo recommends removing all equipment from the tripod before moving it, though for a pro that may be too much of a bother given demands on mobility.

But then tightening the mounting screw is a work around though you need to keep an eye on it.

Regards,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordmanchau (Post 2445440)

Even i bought a 550D last month.When i checked online it was showing 38k on lets buy(the rates had increased after the japan quake i guess) , so i went to the local market and got it for 37k and after 2 weeks or so what i see is the same thing selling for 33k change :Frustrati

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 2440546)

Ok chaps, "Optimus Prime" is here!!! :thumbs up I went to pick up OP as it arrived before the scheduled date.

What/who is Optimus Prime? It is my brand spanking new Nikon 300mm F/2.8 AF-S VR-II lens.

This thing is bloody big and heavy and comes in an equally big bag and a carton. The lens sets the bar high, really high for not just other Nikon lenses but the photographer too. Quite simply put - any crappy shots are my fault.

More pictures to follow. Wish me luck. :)

Regards,

Wow wow wow.... wow.
Heartly Congrats for owning this sumo. To be very honest I am getting slight jealous of you. This lens always remained my dream lens, and even today I hunch for it.

So when you are going for a wildlife trip and posting pictures?????

Quote:

advice on which one would be a better buy and which one would offer better quality.

My pick would be Tamron, Sigma and Canon. Tamron just for the extra tele i get. Sigma 18-125 is far better than this 18-200. But since you need that range, sigma has good optics.

But all three are not exactly low light favorable lenses. In good light stepped down to say F4 or F5.6 these lenses will yield good results.

The lens you are letting go which is 55-250 out performs all these three. So its a compromise that you have to live with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moose56 (Post 2446865)

Even i bought a 550D last month.

That way , I have been a little lucky.
I bought from Letsbuy when price was quoted at 33,999/(after a lot of waiting and deal searching)- and thanks to discount coupons I got it at Rs 31,137/- and I opted for 6months EMI payment on citibank card. So my first payment will be due in September.
The shops here quoted me 36,500/-when I last enquired.
But I still could have done with a free tripod:D.
The camera was delivered to me last friday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed Pujari (Post 2446878)

Thanks Speed Pujari, honestly this was one of my dream lenses as well, lenses that I drooled over and lusted after for ages before finally mustering up the courage to buy them. Needless to convincing my home FM took a long time.

I have uploaded 3 test shots in the non auto image thread. Comments welcome. As for a wildlife trip - well it will be when my boss gives me permission to take a nice long (and well deserved according to me) vacation.:D

Cheers and thanks once again.

Regards,

For landscape photography, which wide angle zoom lens is the best bet? Considering that I have a Nikon D5000 body, will it be wise to go in for the Tokina 11-16mm (knowing that it will not autofocus) ? Or is it better to go in for Nikkor 10-24mm ?

Why this question? Because
[1] The Tokina costs half as much as the nikon (500$ vs 1100$)
[2] I may upgrade the body in 2-3 years down the line.
[3] It is a better lens than the Nikon (going by the reviews everywhere, I haven't actually seen or used one on anyone's camera).

So, will it be wise to plonk my money on the Tokina right now? Any other options which you all can suggest?

One more question: For birding I was considering the Sigma 150-500, but I don't want to exactly invest in it right now, because I have a feeling, Sigma will come out with an upgraded version of the same lens. So, has any one heard of any news of an upgrade to this lens? (Couldn't find anything on the net of course)

Quote:

Originally Posted by karthik247 (Post 2446490)

Hey guys,
I'm planning to replace my 18-55mm and the 55-250mm lens with one of these three. Please advice on which one would be a better buy and which one would offer better quality.

Thanks in advance,
Karthik

Karthik, i will keep the 55-250 and replace 18-55 with Tamron/Sigma 17-50/2.8. This combo will give you superior IQ and low light flexibility.

Hi,

The Canon 18-200mm is the pick of the above three ... Its a gem of a lens - walk around lens. Buy it with eyes closed.

-Harshavardhan

Quote:

Originally Posted by karthik247 (Post 2446490)

Quote:

will it be wise to go in for the Tokina 11-16mm (knowing that it will not autofocus) ? Or is it better to go in for Nikkor 10-24mm ?

If you can get hold of a Nikon mount the Tokina 11-16 is a fantastic lens. This is basically a prime from 11-16mm and does fantastic job wide open at F2.8.

I would pick the 11-16mm eyes closed. May be open to inspect the copy :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by VW2010 (Post 2447511)

If you can get hold of a Nikon mount the Tokina 11-16 is a fantastic lens. This is basically a prime from 11-16mm and does fantastic job wide open at F2.8.I would pick the 11-16mm eyes closed.

Thanks! That's what I have read everywhere on the net. However if I do get the lens, then it will be only manual focus for me till I upgrade the body. Actually as I said in the previous post, I am waiting and watching till thanksgiving festival in the U.S this year, there will be good discounts and offers then. And also waiting to see if either Tokina launches an upgraded version of this lens or if Sigma launches the upgraded version of the 150-500mm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VW2010 (Post 2447511)

May be open to inspect the copy :)

You are welcome anytime ! I will let you know when I purchase the lens :)

Bought a D-90 18-105mm kit along with 50mm prime. Loving the equipment!! Brilliant photos. Straight out of the box, on different modes,the images are stunning. I am only guessing what results can be produced once I switch over to manual controls:).

:OT: Nikon India is conducting basic DSLR classes on Aug 21 in Bangy. See Nikon website for further details.

Quote:

Originally Posted by karthik247 (Post 2446490)

Hey guys,
I'm planning to replace my 18-55mm and the 55-250mm lens with one of these three.

I have not tried the Sigma and the Tamron I use is the non-PZD version (72mm).

I would pick the Canon. It focusses faster than any of the 3rd party lenses.

BTW the non-PZD Tamron goes to f/6.3 at about 230mm. The PZD version that I tested goes to f/6.3 well before 200mm so between about 150mm and 230mm you are robbed of a stop.

If I was to do it over again I'd get the Canon.