Recent content by Chilos

If you don't mind buying second hand, you should easily be able to find a 15-85 for a lot less than £500. I paid £350 for mine (off here), brand new, split from a kit. If finding one is a struggle, and £350-400 is still too much, I'd go with the 17-85 instead.

I've got this rucksack too, and I'd also recommend it. I've got a fair bit of kit, and it holds everything well, although I did have to get a little creative with the hoods.

I was just taking general shots, nothing like motorsport where speed was an issue. I've not tried the tape trick yet, might give it a go next time.

The focus isn't push/pull, only the zoom is.

This was the same exactly the same conclusion I came to. I think you'll want the 50mm if you plan on visiting the art galleries and churches in Venice.

Whilst I'd prefer to buy something with the box, it really doesn't bother me very much. The condition of the lens is 99% of what I think about.

Not surprising that it's a mirror lens, but i guess that basicaly makes it telescope rather than a camera lens, except for the camera mount on the back.

I've tried my 100-400 with the Canon 1.4 II TC on the back. The viewfinder did seem noticeably darker, but it still produced great images.

I've always thought of my left eye as being stronger, but I shoot with my right eye, and the test showed I'm right eye dominant.

Depends what you shoot. If it's more generally < 200mm, I'd go for a 70-200 f2.8 + TC, if it's more at the long end, I'd go for the 100-400.

I did a bit of research, you can get a document called a carnet when taking items out of the country to avoid taxes on return. Probably easier than digging out invoices and receipts if you've lost them!

Is there any issue with customs on the return journey? i.e. how do they know you took it out with you? What's to stop you buying used items whilst on holiday and claiming you took them with you on the way out?

My 100-400 is also sharpest at about f8, I've only used it on a tripod and haven't tried it narrower than this.

Even if it's nearly as good as the 100-400, I think you'll continue to wish you had the 100-400, so just go for that one again!

You're making me feel guilty now! :(