EDMONDS, WA :: Happy Birthday to me! As a gift to myself, I added a new camera body to my kit: The Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It's a major upgrade from the remarkable Rebel XT that Kristie got for me a little over three years ago. The primary difference is the full-frame sensor, which will allow me to capture higher quality photos across a much wider range of conditions. I'm also excited for the improved processing, better interface, larger viewfinder and review screen, automatic sensor cleaning, weather sealing, and the ability to shoot HD movies in 1080p. It's a sweet camera that was worth the wait!

Kristie also spoiled me again by getting me the superb, ultra-wide-angle EF 16-35 f/2.8L II as a birthday gift! This will be my primary landscape lens, replacing and improving on my trusty EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5. Thank you, Sweetie! I also added the EF 100 f/2.8 Macro lens, as I'd like to try dabbling in close-up photography.

So far, I haven't had too many opportunities to exercise the 5D. In fact, on the two occasions I did try to use it, I was told by security to put it away. I can't recall that ever happening before... Apparently, the larger camera attracts more attention, and I've since learned to pack the G10 as a backup. I was able to bring the 5D (along with the G10) on my recent trip to London and Copenhagen, and I'll be posting those photos soon.

I'm so Jealous. Boo!

What camera did you use to take the picture of your cameras?

Top photo was with the Rebel XT and 50mm f/1.4, bottom photo was with the G10.

GREEN!!! ENVY!!! My hope is to upgrade in January, but I need to actually get my butt in gear and start taking pics again to get to marketing the biz. Your photos of London & Copenhagen are incredible, great job!

Wow John,

I don't know how I missed this post...I am very envious. As you say, a major step up in gear. Six or seven months in what is your feedback. Has it been worth the major step up in investment? Also is the 16-35 equivalent (in full frame) as the 10-22 on the Rebel Xt?

I've just invested in a Tamron 70-300mm to hopefully improve my people photography as being further away from people allows you to catch them being less self conscious.

Kind regards
Keith

Hi Keith,

I'm really enjoying the 5D! I can capture a much wider range of light, the interface is great, and the detail in 21 megapixels is amazing (although the size of the images is taking a toll on my hard drive!).

I sold the 16-35 (for more than Kristie paid for it - gotta love the way lenses hold their value!), and got Canon's 14mm II instead. The 16-35 was fine, but I found it overlapped too much with the 24-105. Whenever I used the 16-35, I always had it set on 16 - so the zoom was useless. I figured I should get a wide angle that was truly wide and with better optics. I'm very happy with the 14!

Telephotos are fun. I love using my 70-300, although I wish I had another couple hundred mm, especially after switching to full-frame where I've lost the crop-factor.

John

Hi John,

I was cruising around instructables and found the ikea light idea. Very cool btw, your photography is so good I clicked on something that led me to your site which is also really great. I found it interesting seeing that you lived in Germany as an American. I lived in Germany for a few years when my parents worked for the 3rd Armored Division and Army Corps of Engineers '87-'89. That's where I fell in love with photography. My first darkroom set up was bought there.

I started with my dad's old Pentax went to Canon Rebel before the digital switch to Nikon. However I also use the G!0--a really great camera. So compact yet just as good. Nice features on it too. Anyway I haven't read much on your site but your photography is absolutely beautiful--tell me you are working as a photographer!?

Lydia Bridges Kuennen
Coralville, Iowa (Lifestyle Photographer)