When I'm trying something new as far as camera setup, I will note it in my note pad, especially when the weather etc or background is unusual. The information back on the computer helps, so sometimes I squeeze that into the title for that picture and save all those pictures into a folder called "unusual adjustments".

Ronjay....yes that seemed to do the trick for your picture. Manual focus works better but when you're eyes are not cooperating it sure is a problem. Sometimes takes me forever to get it right. My wife always says "hurry up before the flower goes to seed".

MWAC is right, that lens is super great. I'ts a bit heavy but so what, just be careful and don't balance your camera and lens on a cliff edge. Bought mine last Wednesday. Got some awesome shots last night on a clear sky using the Bulb shutter speed. Amazed as to what it picked up in a some what boring sky. Good shooting and Hi to MWAC

Thought that hood ornament looked familiar. Here is one I took a few months ago.

I'm shooting with a 50D as well and have thought the grip would be helpful. Also wondered about the weight stress on the camera/lens mount when on the tripod. any thoughts there?

To all the great people that responded to my question on the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 lens...........I made the decision and purchased it. Everyone presented lots of suggestion and comments to help with that decision. I did the research on the alternate suggested lens and the "IS" was a factor but after reading everything I decided to purchase this 24-70 lens. I have a very good Manfrotto tripod and uses it when I know the shutter speed is crying for help. Some of your comments brought a smile - example having a heavy lens makes one respondent know the lens is not a toy (my thinking too) and another person willing to marry their lens as the love it so much. All in all as they say, I really appreciated everyone input. After I use is for a few months, guess I will be planning a "honeymoon". Hey, got to have some humor in life. Georgeretired.

thanks for the comments....neat WM "Just a mom with a camera"

Okay....Newfie's are great just like us Prairie guys

Need a good lens for portrait with a low F stop. Any comments pro on con before I open my wallet on Wednesday. From all I've researched it reads great. A new version is coming out with the IS factor, but it drives the price up almost $1,000. thanking everyone in advance.

Thanks for all the reading on the 24-105. Anyone out there currently shooting with the Canon 24-70 f/2.8. $1600 in Canada. Thanks..... george

orders@photoshopelementsuser.com

Open this site and look around. $ to get a perscription but lots of reference material if you use Elements

Lorenzos' submission actually complements the window on the other side of the house, but both don't seem to match the sky above the house. I don't think people will be this picky, so I would suggest Lorenzos' adjustments look okay. PSE is filled with info, but its finding it. I subscribed to the Elements magazine and web bank of items. Very helpful.
The house almost looks familiar, where is it located..city only.

Quick release for any tripod or mono-pod is great, but every manufactures has their own size, which makes it annoying when changing over. I now stick to the Manfrotto group of tripods. I just purchased a "joy stick" ball head. Really neat.