danielb59 Loc: The South

This is not a question and does not require any response. It is merely a testimonial of my experience.

I am retired and on a fixed income. My photography hobby consumes a good portion of my disposable funds. I am a Canon shooter and have wanted an "L" lens for some time, mainly due to the reviews and testimonials of others. How good, I thought, can they (the "L" lenses) be? I was pretty happy with the non "L"'s that I have used all my photographic life. But my curiosity was relentless and I just had to have one.

Recently, after several months of saving, I finally was able to purchase a used 24-105 f4 "L". From the moment I removed it from the box and held it in my hands I was awestruck. Its heft, workmanship and general feel bespoke quality. And glory be, when I attached it to my 60D and peered through the viewfinder I was further smitten. The clarity of the view coupled with the speed and quietness of the autofocus have left me breathless and searching for the proper words. And then, when I did some pixel peeping in my software, I was further blown away with the resolution. The lens is as good or better than anything else that I have owned. The one lens that I have that even comes close is my Tamron 70-300 f4-5.6.

I feel as though I have reached the summit and can now see the sun really rise for the very first time.

I know all this sounds a bit much for a lens and I also know that all camera makers make quality lenses. But this is my first time walking upon the hallowed ground of REAL quality in lenses, at least in my view. So please forgive my enthusiasm and welcome me to the club.

Dan

JLRplsFL

Hi Dan and welcome to the "L" club.
You have a great piece of glass there and will enjoy it very much.

danielb59 Loc: The South

Thanks. It will probably be a cold day in July before I can afford another, but I will start saving today.
Dan

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

Congratulations on your new 'find'!!

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

don't apologize! I feel the same way...when I latch onto a really great lens....

Morrisdh Loc: Pisgah Alabama

danielb59 Well congrats and thank you. My 24-105 L is
on the way and shows a delivery date of this Friday. I
hope I will be as happy as you. I too looked at reviews
and posts here before buying. :thumbup: mdh

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

congrats on the new toy...now we can look forward to seeing some of your pics

Morrisdh Loc: Pisgah Alabama

tlbuljac Thanks, I been posting a few with what I have now.
T3i 18-55 70-300. I am planing an upgrade to D7 100-400 L
Have the 24-105 L on the way. I am still in a turmoil on what to get for wide angle for landscapes. I keep watching the posts
here and ask when I can see something special like I would like
to shoot and see what they did it with. :idea: mdh

Al FR-153 Loc: Chicago Suburbs

Dan - there is nothing like an 'L' on the 60D, unless it is the EF-S 17-55 F/2.8. But then, I like to shoot available light.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

I'm a Nikon shooter but we have the same two tier lens marketing as Canon does. Prosumer optics and pro are a world apart in build, quality and price. You can often find a deal on an older design Pro lens when a new one is introduced. Lots of people in the business can afford to trade up, leaving the fantastic used glass available to the rest of us on a fixed income.

bigmac115100 Loc: Florida

A Love Fest on Valentine's Day.

It put's a tear in my eye. I too must admit that I have lust in my heart for only the BEST lens.

I'm happy for you all. May you all shoot in glorious light and may all your photos be masterpieces.

Me, I'm going hunting today with the Nikon D800 and 300mmF2,8 VR lens. Wish me happy hunting and I to you..

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

Dan, you made and excellent choice. Welcome aboard...if you can find a way to make a buck here and there with your photos...think outside the box...I'd consider selling your other non L lenses and saving up for a EF 200mm f2.8 L II USM at roughly $800. Also there are some very fine used lenses on the market...stick with reputable dealers. If you have 24 to 105mm covered, then the 200mm would be a nice step or perhaps a very nice used 70-200mm f2.8L. At any rate with your 24-105 and one of the above lenses you could cover just about all the bases...and very nicely at that...

Nancy J Loc: lower North Island, New Zealand

Dan, you are very welcome to visit and stay with us in JULY, it will be cold, I promise you, here in New Zealand, Bring all your gear and we can take you to some great places for photos, I too am retired, Husband Hugh also, fixed income, and new lenses need careful thought and saving. Well done, looking forward to some photos from you so soon. Greetings from Jean, lower North Island, New Zealand.

On my Birthday, July 2008, taken by a stranger

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

I'm retired on a fixed income too. my wife and I each get an allowance and I always spend it on photo equipment. Saving now for a wide angle zoom.