My first was a Minolta SRT 101, bought it from some place in Lichtenstein (?) when I was stationed in Pakistan, 1968.

Actually, I'm thinking that those "rings" are caused by light filtering through the leaves. If you could retake the picture without a shallow depth of field, I would think that they would show up as "bright lights" instead. Just a thought.

tambriab, I feel your pain, I have 2 of the Turbo's!! I carry spares of everything when I'm doing a wedding. Some of the problem with my last shoot was that sometimes the picture was well lit - foreground and background, but most times, specifically for the after-ceremony shots and at the reception, the color was off. The foreground was barely exposed and the background...forget about it. If this had been film, the whole thing would have been a bust!

I use the Quantum Turbo battery with my 580 EX II and have noticed some inconsistencies with my flash, too. It happened with my 580 EX as well, so I switched to the Canon off camera shoe adaptor and purchased a new Quantum cable as well. For now, the 580 EX seems to be working OK, but my EX II caused me a lot of concern with the last wedding that I shot. I was told by a photographer here at work that I should just go with AA's for the next shoot and see how it turns out. He is also willing to work with me to find out if the Turbo usage is the problem.

I purchased this lens to go with my 5D Mk II, not thinking full size sensor and no crop factor. Used it for 2 weddings, but feel that I don't need that wide of an angle. Selling only so that I can get a 24-105mm f4L with IS. This lens has NO signs of use or wear and I have the original box, etc. With serious offer, will pay for shipping and insurance.

The last time that I shot a wedding without backup equipment was when I was doing film with a Mamiya 645. I was in the back of the church and had set the camera down and started moving away from it - forgetting that the flash was still attached to the external battery. The back popped open and I had to manipulate it closed and had to finish the day wondering what, if anything, would turn out. Only lost two exposures. Bought backups of everything the Monday after and never looked back.

I recently upgraded to the 5D MkII and will never look back! I sold my 40D and kept my 50D as my backup. As far as lenses, there are a lot of choices in the aftermarket, but make absolutely sure that it'll work with full frame. Canon's lenses (L series) are expensive, but you really do get what you pay for!

You will love the east coast, Salisbury is in a great location! It's close to the ocean , D.C. and Baltimore.

Air Force, 1967 to 1971. Overseas tour -West Pakistan as a 29450 (Electronics Intercept operations/analyst specialist); Stateside bases:Lackland, Keesler and two years at Offutt in Nebraska. Not sure if I could have gotten through Nam, but I knew that I had to serve.

Thanks for all of the input! I came to this site to learn and share and I've learned more than I've shared. I've been using Adorama for years now; the last time I purchased over $1,000, they offer a free photobook. Graet source for all things photography.
As an aside, try digital photography school(dps.com), weekly tips, ebooks, etc., and IT's FREE!

A few months ago, I bought Elements 9 (just before E10 came out) and after a couple of weeks I got an email from Adobe offering a $400.00 discount on CS5! I'm still learning, but with the idea that weddings and events will be my retirement "career", I didn't have to think for too long to buy it for $299.00.

Thanks, it looked too good to be true!!

Has anyone used these guys?? They're listing the Canon 28 to 105 for $789.00 with a one year USA warranty. Is this gray market?

Bob, I have the Sigma 17-70 on my 50d. It's my all-the time lens, even for weddings (my partner). Damn shame it won't work on my 5D!!!!

Only the desk jockeys are off, care to our veterans continues.