I need to know if the Canon 7D can operate the 430 EX ll Flash off camera without another flash, IE 580 EX ll or other Master flash, wirelessly or with the PC port? I just ordered the 430 EX ll flash with the intention of using it off camera when I read that you have to have a "Master flash" and the 430 EX ll can only be a slave. But, I swear I read somewhere when I purchased the 7D that it, the 7D, can be used as the Master and there was no need for 580 Master flash. Is there anyone out there with experience with this kind of set up?

Yeah, for landscapes its a very good lens. I wouldn't hesitate at all then. I'm still thinking about getting it.

There was a lot of talk about this lens not too long ago. When it came out it was a god-send for landscape photographers. If I remember correctly, and I may be wrong, the Canon 10-22 lens was your only option if you wanted a lens built for digital and that was priced over $800 back then, I'm not sure what the price is now, but when Sigma came out with this one at around $500 there was a lot of interest. Now, I've never owned one but I've used one on a vacation I took a few years back. A friend in a photography club I belong to let me borrow his and I was very impressed with IQ. The only thing I was not pleased with was heavy distortion at wider angles. This isn't too much of an issue with landscapes but in architectural shots it's very noticeable. I was very close to buying it but I decided that the extra $$$ for the Canon wasn't that far off and I could also keep my eye open for a used Canon 10-22, which performs a little better at the wide end, and since I like architectural photography it's worth the extra $ for me. But, if you're just using it for landscapes then it's a top performer and well worth having it. Beautiful color, sharp as a tack, good contrast, nicely made. I'd give it an 8 out of 10.

Apologies for not being clear. On the new Canon T4i and paired up with an STM lens in movie mode the lens will keep focus no matter where you point it or if the subject moves. On the 7D you first have to focus on the subject then push record, then if the subject moves or you pan left or right or whatever YOU have to keep the focus by pressing the AF button, the camera will not. Only STM Lenses paired up with the 4Ti, and I'm sure future cameras, will keep focus automaticaly when the subject moves or you change the scene. Thanks you for letting me know that wasn't clear.

The right side of your image is heavier than the left. :)
I use to live in Cambria, right up the road from Morro Bay. Thanks for the picture, reminds me of better days.

Hi Pappy, I'm Chris. Just read your question and it's a good one. First I see that you already have a zoom, the 70-300. You said it's a kit lens. I'm not familiar with a 70-300 kit lens. If it's the 70-300 USM IS lens then getting the 18-200 lens is not a step up. What the 18-200 lens is meant for is a every day type lens. It's pretty wide for landscapes and such and it has a decent reach for those wildlife shots, etc. The image quality is good to very good, but if you do go for this lens make sure you get a good copy of it. I went through 2 copies before I got a good one and other reviewers have had the same experience. On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 7 1/2 to an 8. Now, the second part of your question, the prime lens. The prime is going to be much better in image quality over the 18-200. Primes are almost always better than zooms as far as IQ. Which one is dependent on what you want to take images of. Landscapes, wildlife, portraits, macro. Whatever prime you get It's going to be good. I don't know of a bad prime lens, but I'm sure some other people do. I'm saving for the 100mm macro. It's good for portraits too, but not so good for general shots around the house or what-not. Well Pappy, I hope you find what you're looking for and are happy with whatever you decide. Don't hesitate to ask me anything if you have any more questions, I'm happy to help. Good luck.

That all depends on your budget. You can get the new Canon 4Ti for around $850 for the body. It's a Rebel so I'm not sure how much of an upgrade it'll be for you. It does have Full HD movie mode and auto focusing lenses available. It also has the new Digic 5 Processor and shoots up to 5 frames per second. Next up is the Canon 60D. Very good camera. My friend has this set up and it is a very decent camera. It's around $900 for the body at Amazon. It doesn't have full time auto focus for movie mode but you need to ask yourself if that's important to you. Next is my camera, the 7D. Fantastic camera. Extremely fast 8 frames per second. This is not for beginners though. If a beginner bought this camera they'd be in for a steep learning curve and would probably frustrate them more than anything. But, you wouldn't need another camera for a long time. Body only for the 7D is $1,549 at Amazon, but you can find it cheaper at other websites. It's the best camera I've ever owned and I can't say enough positive things about it. Fast, programmable, good high ISO performance, weather resistant, magnesium body, very high image quality, the list go on and on. All the camera I mentioned are 18 megapixels and will make fantastic 13 X 19 prints or even a little bigger; I haven't tried above 13 X 19. Anyway, do a little research and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything else. Have a good day.

Definitely don't sell the Tamron it has a much further reach and I'm sure you'll use it. The question is if you should purchase the Canon with the STM Lens or without. I have a Canon 7D and have used the movie mode maybe twice. I may use it one day but so far I just haven't had a reason. You'll have to ask yourself the question, Do I want to spend the extra money for the STM Lens that auto focuses or not? If money isn't a problem I say go for it. The inability to not auto focus on the 7D is a bummer and is engineering faux pas of you ask me. Just know that if you do purchase the lens with the intention to sell it only people with the Canon 4Ti can use it. It will not auto focus with other Canon DSLRs as of now. Another way to go is buy the body only and spend the money you save on a nice prime or macro. Either way I'm sure you'll have fun taking images with your new camera.

It's funny you ask this question. I could write a book on this subject. Lets just say I've had my share of nightmares at the beach. I don't bring my camera ON the sand at all anymore. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO SAND WILL GET IN SOMEHOW. If you must, wrap your camera in a plastic baggy or put tape on any holes or seam that could allow sand in. Wash your hands after you handle suntan oil or lotion. If you're going to lay out in the sand keep the camera inside a plastic bag sealed.
As far as equipment I've found you want a good zoom as well as wide angle lens for sunsets and landscapes. If you have a DSLR a circular polarizer and a gradient ND filter comes in handy. Bring a hand towel and a blower for your lens. Make sure no sand is on the lens prior to cleaning it and also check that the towel doesn't have sand in it. I've scratched a brand new screen that way and a lens or two. Use a blower or brush as much as possible for cleaning your lens. Other than that have a good time and try not to get to sunburned. :)

The top one looks natural, but does show his facial imperfections, if you will. The bottom one looks like a Glamour Shot from the 80's. But, it's all up to the client. show them both and let them decide. By the way, nice shot.

I have the Lowpro Fastpack 350 for traveling. It has room enough for everything I need, Camera, Lenses, Laptop, tripod, ect. Plus some clothing and other travel necessities. It is a little big, but It gets the job done and is very well made and keeps your gear safe (Good Padding). It also has some cool features like quick access to your camera, an mp3 player or cell phone pouch on the strap next to your chest and other things too many to list. Check it out on Amazon as I believe there is a video that shows all the features.

All they are saying is that their images have been printed at a photo lab or facility which specializes in printing photographs.

Just wondering if anyone knows how the forum got it's name.

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I know what you're saying and it is a shame. What really gets me is how many pages and responses there are when the subject has some sort of drama involved. I came to this forum because it seemed like it was a place where people were really interested in photography and not to infested with people wanting just to start s@#t. Hopefully those who are respectful, sincere, and knowledgeable will not feed into those discussions which are nothing but BS and then maybe the drama queens will go away. But, no place is perfect and there'll always be those who upset things just to upset things, but, yeah, it seems there are a lot of them right now and I hope things will change soon.