Archives for February 26, 2008

Here”s my dilemma: Do I purchase a Canon lens or a Sigma? Do I buy a new lens or a refurbished one? Do I shell out money I do not have for better glass, or do I settle for something I can presently afford that doesn”t deliver the quality I”d like?\r\n\r\nThese are the kinds of questions I”ve been kicking around lately, now that I”ve found myself in the market for a camera. This is a first for me. Till now, I”ve known nothing about digital single lens reflexes (DSLRs). I”ve learned quite a bit, but it”s just a start, enough to make me aware to some degree of how much there is to know about photography.\r\n\r\nWhat, you may wonder, is a post about cameras doing in a blog that deals with jazz saxophone and storm chasing? Simple. A camera is vital for chasing and helpful for marketing myself as a musician.\r\n\r\nI”ve decided upon a Canon Rebel XTi body, and a single after-market lens to start with, exact make and kind as yet to be determined. As a business expense, I can justify the purchase without much trouble. It”s just not something I had planned on.\r\n\r\nBut my arm got twisted a few months ago when my Canon ZR-70 camcorder froze up on me, and I realized that the cost of repair could easily exceed the value of the machine. Since I was already unhappy with how the camcorder performed in low-light storm conditions–the noise was beyond awful–I figured the time had arrived to start shopping. A bit of research quickly led me to conclude that I wasn”t going to find a camcorder which met my needs for a price I could afford. I could, however, purchase a very nice digital camera–which, as I thought about it, seemed like the more practical choice anyway.\r\n\r\nNow here I stand, lost in the vast world of camera glass. Good grief, where do I begin? This much at least I know: the lens that comes with the Rebel XTi kit is crap. So I won”t go the kit route. But in the extremely finite universe of my wallet, does a decent lens exist that not only will meet my needs, but which I can also actually afford? I hope so. I”d look mighty stupid prowling Tornado Alley with a camera body that doesn”t have a lens. I”m probably looking at a used or refurbished lens. Another option is to rent one. Either way, my challenge is to find something that is the right fit for both my needs and my budget.\r\n\r\nThe Great Lens Quest is on. But when I consider the payoff, all the legwork will be worthwhile. Good digital photos will be a quality addition to my vocation as a freelance writer, and the applications are infinite.\r\n\r\nSo look for an added visual element in this blog in the near future. Storm season is almost upon us, and I hope to treat you to a little eye candy as well as some interesting posts.