Great shot at Cedar Rock Bob! I lived near here and hiked it often. One of my favorite spots in the county.

I will say that shooting subjects at shorter distances, the focal factor is much improved over the lenses I've used in the past. This is especially true when there is time to set up the shot and just that split second to breathe and settle in. However - in bird/wildlife photography - I'm having to make myself take the approach to get the good shot - rather than react and think "OMG it's going to fly or run away - get what I can quickly..."and squeeze off a bunch of shots that may not be so good. So I'm managing the adrenaline rush. I hope I can get into muscle memory where the steady sets in... That comes with practice and confidence over time.

I'm going to be following this thread with great interest. I was given this same lens for Christmas and shooting it on a Canon SL1. I'm having similar focusing and learning curves in shooting BIF and wildlife. I find the focus sharpens some when using the tripod (I need to upgrade tripod equipment), but the lens is meant to be versatile in handheld wildlife and sports applications. My challenge other than lighting and distance seems to be the size of the camera. The SL1 has been a trooper for me to get started in the DSLR world - but it seems almost too light. I often wonder if some of the focus problems I'm seeing is from mirror vibration and this would resolve when using another full frame camera body with a battery grip to counterweight the larger lens. I love the lens and where I can reach with it.... But then again - we can never have enough glass - now can we? LOL..

Having been to Charleston for a couple of trips.... one of the charms of the city is how people have decorated the alleys and garden spaces along the piazzas. Charleston is truly a pedestrian town in the area "South of Broad". There are suprises and details everywhere. So much to explore and discover that just pops up in the most unlikely places. I could shoot coffee table books galore. Be sure to get out on foot and just let your eyes wander to fall on these true treasures. The Angel trees are spectatcular and the buildings just scream for perspective. Take the time to experience the city as much as possible- and be sure to plan a return trip...

So is this in Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh? New Bern or Edenton? It just has that flair of those neighborhoods?

PM you

Hi Jennylyn. I live in NC and used to live in Burlington. There's a great store there called Camera Corner. They are a long standing photography store and well worth your drive over for their selection and expertise. I shoot a SL1 too and currently using the kit lenses. I'm following your thread with interest. The SL1 is a great camera and when I will be looking at other lenses, I will be doing so with the intention of stepping the lenses to a full frame camera body upgrade in the future. For my current level of expertise, the kit lenses are a great learning tool. Quality glass will make the difference. You might want to consider renting a few lenses for a fraction of the cost to evaluate them before investing in a purchase, once you've narrowed down your specifics you want to cover. Good Luck!

Hello Kemo. I've been reading the replies to this thread with great interest. I don't post much on the Hog, but I am an avid reader and there's good suggestions offered over this site as a whole in addition to the advice you're being offered here. Don't forget your search capabilities on keywords.

I shoot SL1 as a person who has returned to photography from many years away and entering the digital world. I was gifted the SL1 with the two kit lenses. For me, at my current level of learning, it has been a versatile camera and quite frankly has challenged me to become a better photographer. I am following because at some point I want to upgrade and go to full frame with the better quality lenses.

However, I am challenging myself to do quality work with my current level of equipment. This past weekend I opened my first large format booth at a trade show level and my work was on par with many seasoned artists of all genre's there. My point here is focus on technique. I can say that the SL1 does well doing nature photography and I'm just getting into small weddings. I've taken it on the trail and it's light weight has it's advantages. My next purchase will be better lenses.

I think that the question you should also consider is - with the upgrade to the camera body - will the need for full frame be in the future. If so, then now may be the time to invest in that direction since she has lenses that she likes.

I will probably always keep my SL1 because we've grown up together so to speak. It has way too many shutter clicks for anyone to want to purchase used. It's a great learning tool and has a ton of features that I've yet to explore. I can say it's a great camera for me. I've seen SL1 kits in the $300 - $400 range just recently.

Good luck in your search and I hope you find just the right fit.

Don't forget Cedar Rock Park... I used to get great color shots over there.

This is the time of year that I kinda miss being in the area. I always loved the colors and they lasted for such a short period of time. Where was this shot taken? Great colors.

Now there's a familiar landmark. I love your images of the area. I've done some work using Elon's courtyards and arches as settings... Picturesque and old world worthy. Great work!

PAR4DCR. Thank you for the welcome. I have ties to Louisiana. I have family in West Lake and my dad was a Captain in the menhaden industry out of Cameron. Small world!

Thank you! For the welcomes folks!

Hello Everyone. I'm Suzy and dropping in to introduce myself. *Waves*
I'm looking forward to learning new things and getting acquainted.