my kit is not the best, so my pictures are rubbish!!

anyone that tells you that is talking out of their arse.

Well... I think you're right - the pictures you take with your 450d and weak consumer lenses are rubbish...

Buy 2x Nikon D3s and D3x bodies and all the pro-lenses they make immediately...:D

You know it makes sense... :thumbs:
 
Well... I think you're right - the pictures you take with your 450d and weak consumer lenses are rubbish...

Buy 2x Nikon D3s and D3x bodies and all the pro-lenses they make immediately...:D

You know it makes sense... :thumbs:

I will let you know, I won £2 on a scratch card today so going to to invest in another two!
 
Hi Robbo,

I think I went through a similar thing. I had my camera a couple of months, joined TP, and after a while I was spending all my time looking at my pictures 100% for tiny bits of noise, fringing etc... I was longing to upgrade without really knowing why!

I'm lucky at the moment that I’m in a position where I’ve had some cash available to buy a couple of 'L' lenses. This won't be the case forever, so I thought I would invest now as they should hopefully last me many years, so I see it as an investment (justification over).

I spent ages reading opinions on here, looking at reviews on the net etc... which I'm sure many people do before buying new equipment. I became obsessed.

Has it improved my photography? I would say not. I have gained a few f-stops over my kit lens, and arguably sharper pictures, but I’ve realised that the only thing improving my photography is getting out there and doing it. Putting yourself forward and getting in to situations which push you and bring you on. I don't regret investing in better lenses, but I don't think you need 'L' series or equivalent to get amazing pictures.

For instance, my friend travels a lot, and I am envious of so many of his amazing pictures shot with a 450D and the kit lens. I myself took loads of photos on my honeymoon with my kit lens, and I think they're among some of the best I've got.

So don't worry about equipment. You can't argue that some of the more expensive lenses aren't better (well, you can, but that's a different topic), but it's entirely a personal decision as to whether you want/need them or not. After all - as you say, it's a hobby (for now...).

I also sometimes find that the people who spend the most time on forums banging on about equipment specs and facts and figures are the ones with the dullest pictures. Razor sharp dull pictures obviously!

FWIW I think you’ve got some awesome pics, just keep up the momentum!

Mat
 
Cheers Mat, I didnt know what to expect it terms of reply to my post but tbh many replies among with your has lifted my spirit about and to stop worrying what my kit is and what is 'the best' etc.......
 
for cases where people do this for a hobby a few times a week and made to feel their kit is inadequate to produce good pictures.

Show me a post where someone using a consumer lens has been made to feel inadequate with regard to their photos?
If this has ever happened then the mods should be informed.
In all honesty I have not come across product snobbery with other photographers.
I've been on plenty of TP meets and yes there have been members using full frame and mega expensive lenses but not once did anyone look down upon me when I was using my 450D.
In fact, these people have been nothing but fantastic when it comes to hints and tips and most well experienced members are happy to help.

The only thing that matters is that you are happy with your kit and your photos.
People can buy a cheap PC or an expensive one and those who normally pay a lot more do it because they want the machine to do more for them.
The same can be applied to most technology, a cheap mobile is capable of doing the same as the most expensive new phone, that is the primary function to make and receive calls.
Everyone starts with consumer lenses and lots of people are using them for years and stick with them and still produce fantastic photos.
Hobbyists who invest in L lenses do it for more than IQ quality and that's there choice.
Stop getting hung up about lenses and carry on creating great photos.
 
I think this calls for a Canon 450D appreciation thread.

Because it is (obviously) the best camera. :D
 
WOW - good rant thread. I take it this is because I suggested a 70-200 f2.8?

We were discussing taking rugby photo's in poor lighting situations and your thought was to upgrade to a 50D. The suggestion was that faster glass would help significantly, not that your shots were rubbish. I don't recall anyone saying that.

The pics you've posted above are all taken in good light, the sporting ones in very bright sunlight, very different situations that were being discussed on your other thread.

I'm sorry you've taken my suggestions that way. I won't bother responding to any more of your threads in future.
 
Agreed.. I mean apart from noise, and maybe fps.. it's lovely :)
Invest in glass only I say :thumbs:

Not of course.. that that would make pix any better.. :help:

Right its a plan! I'll write it up straight away!
 
Byker I actually think it's because of my comments on his thread...

Indeed, but using shoddy lenses (by comparison I mean; I don't know any 70-300s which are a patch on a good 70-200, which is why they are much more expensive) will just show up even more if you crop harder. So the guy will get a better body, and then realise he needs a new glass shortly after.

I think the real solution to this issue is better glass. Faster, better quality glass such as a 70-200 f/2.8 will allow higher shutter speeds, more subject seperation as well. You could stick a 1.4x on the 70-200, and STILL have the advantage! I don't believe in spray n' pray at the worst of times, (and I think high FPS bodies just encourage sloppy behaviour) but with a better glass, it shouldn't be needed, negating the need for a better body.

I don't beat about the bush and it seems this can be taken 'the wrong way' particularly on forums where tone is interpreted differently as intended sometimes.
 
Hashcake, I wasn't pin pointing to a specific thread, this is the best forum of any kind I have been on and the information I get is second to non!

It wasn't so much as some one saying my kit etc was not good enough, it has just been over the course of a month or so I have picked up on bits and suppose it's just nibbled away at me and I have let it get to me really, no one person is to blame except me letting it bug me lol. Just a bad day really lol
 
Byker I actually think it's because of my comments on his thread...



I don't beat about the bush and it seems this can be taken 'the wrong way' particularly on forums where tone is interpreted differently as intended sometimes.

Can't be bothered to offer advice any more if people are going to take it the wrong way or just throw it back at you.

The ting is the other thread struck a chord because I went from a 300d with an 18-55 kit lens and the 70-300, to a 70-200 f4, to a 40D (with 400d backup) to a 50D then started buying L lenses because of the difference, so I know exactly the differences and costs involved.

I also shoot rugby every weekend in all lights and invested in the 70-200 f2.8 IS because of this. Yup expensive but it's made so much of a difference.
For really low light sporting such as indoor karting I usually end up shooting with a 50mm f1.4.

Hey home, nearly time for home.
 
Yep 5 o'clock is fast approaching, TF.
 
Like I said guys this isn't down to any particular persons comment. It's just bits I've read over the last few months, not just on TP..... The rant isn't directed at any one thing said or suggested so please don't direct this at yourself :-) I'm just in a grump today lol

I love tp and all suggested and help offered to me, it's always appreciated!
 
Rob,

The weekend is nearly here (for those fortunate enough not to have to work through it :( ), relax and chill with the camera. I can't really add anything to what others have said, I love the first shot you posted and as always it is the tog that makes the shot and the knowledge of how to use whats available to him, only a bad workman blames his tools etc...

Yes it's nice to have L glass but for display on screen is it really required, probably not! The only reason I bought an L was I was in the fortnuate position to be able to treat myself, I could quite have easily bought a cheaper model (which is actually what I phoned up to buy :lol: )...

Enjoy the camera and keep taking images that we enjoy looking at and most importantly you enjoy...
 
Hey,

I have only got a crap 450 D and cheap lens and look what it produces,

107.jpg


I went through a phase exactly like you and thought my piccys were crap and I would never get decent photos but all it is a bit of patience (well alot really) and get out there and practice, practice, practice, find yourself a tog buddy ( I have I think, THANKS ROB C ha ha, who is also a whiz kid on the computer ) and compare notes, photos and just go out there and enjoy your camera. I would love a Canon lens but instead I could only afford the sigma 120 - 400 but I am pleased with it now and the results it gives me and am thinnking of upgrading to the 7 D purely for the speed (frames per second) bif the 450 was faster than it is then In no way would I be changing, (I have to save first)

I have bad days, more so often that good days but I still enjoy it and now rise to the challenge of going out there and taking an even better photo.

So pick yourself up from the floor and get out there and enjoy your camera and post the results, every criticism helps and you never know you might suprise yourself, I certainly did and have not looked back since. :thumbs:
 
Next time you’re out shooting, carry a couple of bags of potatoes around with you all day and see if you still want that pro kit you’ll likely start finding excuses not to carry, or whether you’d prefer to stick with a lightweight kit that you can take anywhere and will more likely have with you when you need it.

Your pictures are great and show really well what can be done with modest kit and a bit of patience. How many shots are you really missing due to your kit?
 
I wish I could tke photographs like this on my 450d! lol u got nothin to worry about mate they look very professional.

Im still learning though.
 
Cheers guys.

Tbh I've just had a really crappy few days with certain things, so went a bit loopy lol

Ave settled down a bit :)
 
Cheers guys.

Tbh I've just had a really crappy few days with certain things, so went a bit loopy lol

Ave settled down a bit :)

Don't worry, we all have one of those weeks sometimes - almost the weekend!
 
I've just read through the posts and decided I can add nothing to discussion. Robbo the pictures are great, you have the enthusiasm, the ability and the enjoyment.:thumbs:
 
Yup, on nights now luckily get this weekend off so am away near York for a few days with all the family.
 
Robbo, chill out and watch those flickr stats skyrocket ;)

Look, I don't own the best kit around, I mainly buy used (because I can't afford new) and it's all aged kit but what the hell - I have the best job in the world, get to 'tog 24/7 and love it...

...kit is just a means to an end - it's the creative eye that matters most :)

Stop feeling sorry for thyself and take some photos :)
 
Robbo sounds like your having a bad month... PUT THE CREDIT CARD DOWN!!! ;)

Tell you I have had an horrific month :-( leagal reasons I can't say why, but don't worry am not in trouble lol

lucky I snapped my card lol
 
Hey Robbo,
Your pictures are cracking mate:clap: You'd be worried if you took pictures like I do(I keep using the excuse that I'm still learning:lol:)
 
Ultimately better gear gives you a bigger window in getting shots that otherwise you wouldn't able to get.

i.e. subject moving fast - Lighting AF, low light - low noise at high iso, fast glass.

That's it, a bigger window, you can still get good shot, provided you know the limit of your gear and work within those limits. There are shots you simply can't get because of the limitations, that's where the photographer in you come in, use your imagination to get a different kind of shot in the same environment that your gear allows. Know you gear, know what i can do, and you'll be a happier person for it.
 
1: baring in mind this is a hobby I have had for 6 month.

2: If you can please tell me what way an L lens would have improved the picture, that PP couldn't and if it would be justified to pay the price difference.

2: Viewing 800x600x72dpi images on a computer screen is a totally different ball game when it comes to enlarging them. Printing at 24x36 or even 13x19 will render completely different results. This is where top quality professional glass comes in. Resolving power, sharpness (corner to corner), vignetting, contrast, diffraction, distortion,... all play a major part in reproducing enlargements. Low end lens' struggle and some just utterly fail.

1: That's part of the problem / frustration. Perhaps in a few years time when you have turned your 6 months experience into 5 or even 10 years you will come back to this post and realise why a lot of us have to support a family and own top quality professional glass at the same time. The benefits are huge. I couldn't do without the weather sealing. The snow, rain, hail and dust storms here in the prairies would make mince meat out of lower end non sealed lens'.
 
you took these with a 450D and non L rated glass.......nice!!
 
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