I must have received the latest version - no problems to date whatsoever. Used in temp. ranges -5 to +40 degrees C. So far so good.
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Reviews by TwoBoy
- TwoBoy
- 1.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- No
- Price
- 0$
Pros
- FYI
Cons
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 160$
Pros
- Construction, usefulness, battery storage etc.
Cons
- Some may say additional weight - I dont think so
This grip is made specially for the 20D.
I have big hands so I find this an indispensable piece of equipment. I use mainly heavy L lenses so it acts very much as a counterbalance and makes hand holding long IS lenses easier. I notice the difference and it really makes life much easier.
The pack takes either 1 or 2 BP511 or BP511A batteries and in emergency standard 6 standard AA or rechargeable AA batteries can be used in a special holder provided with the grip.
The battery compartment cover of the camera is also storable in a special slot.
The grip also has standard shooting controls and an on/off switch so portrait taking is better catered for.
A very worthwhile purchase.
Update:
The next post is negative about the grip so I assume quality control problems at Canon or possible GREY product. My grip fits perfectly and if anything it is better than the grip on my 10D. Battery life has not been an issue.
My recommendation is always to try everything you buy in shop, particularly lenses. If its not right why take it away and end up having to do battle to get your money back.
I have big hands so I find this an indispensable piece of equipment. I use mainly heavy L lenses so it acts very much as a counterbalance and makes hand holding long IS lenses easier. I notice the difference and it really makes life much easier.
The pack takes either 1 or 2 BP511 or BP511A batteries and in emergency standard 6 standard AA or rechargeable AA batteries can be used in a special holder provided with the grip.
The battery compartment cover of the camera is also storable in a special slot.
The grip also has standard shooting controls and an on/off switch so portrait taking is better catered for.
A very worthwhile purchase.
Update:
The next post is negative about the grip so I assume quality control problems at Canon or possible GREY product. My grip fits perfectly and if anything it is better than the grip on my 10D. Battery life has not been an issue.
My recommendation is always to try everything you buy in shop, particularly lenses. If its not right why take it away and end up having to do battle to get your money back.
For The SASOL Larger Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa in Books, Publications & Software
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 20$
Pros
- A Dummies Guide to Southern African birds
Cons
- None that affect me in any way
For a beginner like myself this book is very user friendly as the layout makes it very easy to follow. Highly recommended as a ready reference guide and well-priced for what you get.
Overseas visitors to Southern Africa will really like this book.
Overseas visitors to Southern Africa will really like this book.
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 96$
Pros
- Very easy to install and view
Cons
- Learning curve
I find this perfect for our South African birds as the illustrations are much larger than in most of the books - this will help people who dont have the best eyesight.
Its very easy to find specific birds and very good when trying to identify birds. The program has the normal painted picture plus a host of other pictures including eggs, nest etc and birds as well as bird calls. You can even add your own pictures and there is a map where you can place your sightings.
There is a definite learning curve to get the best out of the program but I think most computer literate people will find this OK. A decent HELP program is part of the package.
As a beginner I find it very helpful but my guess is the advanced birder will get more out of it than the beginner and make use of more features. It has 958 bird pages, habitat details, birding spots etc.
I think its pretty good and the service was exceptional - arrived in a day!
Its very easy to find specific birds and very good when trying to identify birds. The program has the normal painted picture plus a host of other pictures including eggs, nest etc and birds as well as bird calls. You can even add your own pictures and there is a map where you can place your sightings.
There is a definite learning curve to get the best out of the program but I think most computer literate people will find this OK. A decent HELP program is part of the package.
As a beginner I find it very helpful but my guess is the advanced birder will get more out of it than the beginner and make use of more features. It has 958 bird pages, habitat details, birding spots etc.
I think its pretty good and the service was exceptional - arrived in a day!
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 224$
Pros
- Optics, size. weight
Cons
- AF does not work with all cameras or lenses
I only use it with my EF100~400L IS USM lens. Outstanding results. I cannot fault it when used with the 20D and 10D and the lens.
Happiness is.
Happiness is.
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 1749$
Pros
- Flexibility, good AF, solid, build quality excellent, IS, USM
Cons
- Lens hood supplied is mickey mouse
I wanted a good lens with a wide range and this is what I got.
This Canon 28~300L is a lens which meets most requirements considering its range. It is not quite as sharp as the 100~400L IS USM but that is to be expected with an 11x zoom, however its still very sharp. I personally use it for game (wildlife) as opposed to birds where my subject is much bigger but then I have still managed to get some good shots with it of Marabou Storks - see http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/33408/sort/1/cat/500/page/1
It would also be very useful to people who photograph in zoos where distances are generally much closer.
The AF is excellent as is the IS. One gripe may well be the weight but it is built like a tank to last. Unlike some other Ls you cannot use tele-converters with it.
Its a case of horses for courses. I would still buy it again as it does suit my purposes. This is a lens you need to learn - once you find your way around it you will grow to like it more and more.
This Canon 28~300L is a lens which meets most requirements considering its range. It is not quite as sharp as the 100~400L IS USM but that is to be expected with an 11x zoom, however its still very sharp. I personally use it for game (wildlife) as opposed to birds where my subject is much bigger but then I have still managed to get some good shots with it of Marabou Storks - see http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php/photo/33408/sort/1/cat/500/page/1
It would also be very useful to people who photograph in zoos where distances are generally much closer.
The AF is excellent as is the IS. One gripe may well be the weight but it is built like a tank to last. Unlike some other Ls you cannot use tele-converters with it.
Its a case of horses for courses. I would still buy it again as it does suit my purposes. This is a lens you need to learn - once you find your way around it you will grow to like it more and more.
- TwoBoy
- 2.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- No
- Price
- 100$
Pros
- Reasonably wide angle
Cons
- Not sharp enough for me, build is cheap and nasty
This lens came as part of my 20D which I had to buy in kit form - A CASE OF TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.
I do not like this lens. I dont believe it is sharp enough and I think it is a very tacky. I will replace it with a decent wide-angle L lens soon and solve this problem. I do not think it is worth the extra cost in the kit and will dump it as soon as I can. Very much a lens for Postcard/Jumbo Prints - not bigger. It should also be OK for internet use.
Having said the above many people do not want big prints so for those looking at Postcard/Jumbo size prints this lens is a cheap and viable alternative. Also, for those who seldom need a wide angle lens it is an alternative to the high cost L lenses.
I JUST RESENT THE FACT THAT CANON PUT US IN A NO OPTION SITUATION IF WE WANT THE 20D BODY.
Just as a matter of interest, I have tried my best to trade or sell this lens with no results. One dealer suggested that I put it in a dark place and forget about it.
I do not like this lens. I dont believe it is sharp enough and I think it is a very tacky. I will replace it with a decent wide-angle L lens soon and solve this problem. I do not think it is worth the extra cost in the kit and will dump it as soon as I can. Very much a lens for Postcard/Jumbo Prints - not bigger. It should also be OK for internet use.
Having said the above many people do not want big prints so for those looking at Postcard/Jumbo size prints this lens is a cheap and viable alternative. Also, for those who seldom need a wide angle lens it is an alternative to the high cost L lenses.
I JUST RESENT THE FACT THAT CANON PUT US IN A NO OPTION SITUATION IF WE WANT THE 20D BODY.
Just as a matter of interest, I have tried my best to trade or sell this lens with no results. One dealer suggested that I put it in a dark place and forget about it.
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 1200$
Pros
- Superb all round camera
Cons
- A few initial hiccups - I am sure they will be overcome
The camera has been very well reviewed on a number of great sites but reviews do not ever tell the whole story.
I have tried the camera under various conditions ranging from bright sunlight to darkness. In every instance I have got shots worthy of retention even though the subject matter has not been. The standard factory settings work for me but I do change the color space setting from sRGB to Adobe RGB. I think this is better if you are using PhotoShop.
I have the 10D also (what a great camera) and will keep it as a 2nd camera but the 20D will now be the the camera to use. With the 10D I am able to get excellent prints of up to 60 x 40cm on paper and canvas (cloth) which is an excellent medium for printing wildlife photographs to be framed. The 20D should, I hope, boost the sizes possible considerably - I will be trying 80 x 60 shortly.
One major gripe I have is that to sell lenses they (Canon) seem to have lots of kits but no body only stocks in South Africa. This forces you to buy a mediocre lens which you do not want or its a case of wait, wait & wait some more. The BG-E2 battery grip is about the only thing that you need buy extra, again the waiting game.
As regards CF Cards, 512s are ideal as 256s (OK with the 10D) seem to run out of space too quickly. I much prefer to use more 512 cards than big capacity ones in case something goes wrong.
The new toggle switch is great for previews and saves time and fiddling. The camera is both faster and easier to work with than the 10D which is a plus to me. Start up time is minimal - this used to annoy me with the 10D sometimes.
Another point is the good pricing for what you get. This is a VERY GOOD body for the price.
One issue may well be that it will likely show up non L lenses badly. This applies to the 10D also. These cameras do need good glass to perform at optimum so these secondary expenses need considering when buying. Cheap glass will make you blame the camera for poor shots as every imperfection will become apparent. Examples: 28~135 IS lens (dog), the cheap EF-S lenses (some dogs), most non-L telephotos, pirate lens makes and others do not offer the performance required except for happy snaps. I exclude some of the Sigma EXs which are great lenses also.
Be prepared to layout a lot on L lenses - there is no cheap quality glass. Also - I suspect that in many cases the 20D locks up because non-Canon lenses may not be compatable. If I were Canon I am sure I would try to make life difficult for Sigma!!!
I suggest the Canon 100~400L IS USM lens as being a good starting point for birders, you can add more Ls from here on.
Update:
Having now taken some 3600 shots I have felt it necessary to downgrade it from a 10 to an 8. The camera does need the battery grip to feel balanced with long lenses, otherwise its too small for large hands. This obviously has an effect on handheld shots and Canon here have got no stock. Canon have already botched their software update once. The camera has locked up - my 10D never ever gave a hint of trouble. I also find more processing is needed. Perhaps the new software will correct this. My love affair with the 10D is something the 20D is really going to have to work on.
2nd Update
The Ver 1.0.5 software has definitely cured my lock-up problems and a few other minor things - upgraded to 9/10.
3rd Update
My BG-E2 grip has finally arrived after begging for it from Canon (and I mean getting on my knees). It is almost unbelieveable what a difference it makes. The 20D suddenly becomes a whole camera, balance with long lenses beomes natural and hand holding at 400mm becomes a pleasure. Now I can give the 20D its maximum points.
I have tried the camera under various conditions ranging from bright sunlight to darkness. In every instance I have got shots worthy of retention even though the subject matter has not been. The standard factory settings work for me but I do change the color space setting from sRGB to Adobe RGB. I think this is better if you are using PhotoShop.
I have the 10D also (what a great camera) and will keep it as a 2nd camera but the 20D will now be the the camera to use. With the 10D I am able to get excellent prints of up to 60 x 40cm on paper and canvas (cloth) which is an excellent medium for printing wildlife photographs to be framed. The 20D should, I hope, boost the sizes possible considerably - I will be trying 80 x 60 shortly.
One major gripe I have is that to sell lenses they (Canon) seem to have lots of kits but no body only stocks in South Africa. This forces you to buy a mediocre lens which you do not want or its a case of wait, wait & wait some more. The BG-E2 battery grip is about the only thing that you need buy extra, again the waiting game.
As regards CF Cards, 512s are ideal as 256s (OK with the 10D) seem to run out of space too quickly. I much prefer to use more 512 cards than big capacity ones in case something goes wrong.
The new toggle switch is great for previews and saves time and fiddling. The camera is both faster and easier to work with than the 10D which is a plus to me. Start up time is minimal - this used to annoy me with the 10D sometimes.
Another point is the good pricing for what you get. This is a VERY GOOD body for the price.
One issue may well be that it will likely show up non L lenses badly. This applies to the 10D also. These cameras do need good glass to perform at optimum so these secondary expenses need considering when buying. Cheap glass will make you blame the camera for poor shots as every imperfection will become apparent. Examples: 28~135 IS lens (dog), the cheap EF-S lenses (some dogs), most non-L telephotos, pirate lens makes and others do not offer the performance required except for happy snaps. I exclude some of the Sigma EXs which are great lenses also.
Be prepared to layout a lot on L lenses - there is no cheap quality glass. Also - I suspect that in many cases the 20D locks up because non-Canon lenses may not be compatable. If I were Canon I am sure I would try to make life difficult for Sigma!!!
I suggest the Canon 100~400L IS USM lens as being a good starting point for birders, you can add more Ls from here on.
Update:
Having now taken some 3600 shots I have felt it necessary to downgrade it from a 10 to an 8. The camera does need the battery grip to feel balanced with long lenses, otherwise its too small for large hands. This obviously has an effect on handheld shots and Canon here have got no stock. Canon have already botched their software update once. The camera has locked up - my 10D never ever gave a hint of trouble. I also find more processing is needed. Perhaps the new software will correct this. My love affair with the 10D is something the 20D is really going to have to work on.
2nd Update
The Ver 1.0.5 software has definitely cured my lock-up problems and a few other minor things - upgraded to 9/10.
3rd Update
My BG-E2 grip has finally arrived after begging for it from Canon (and I mean getting on my knees). It is almost unbelieveable what a difference it makes. The 20D suddenly becomes a whole camera, balance with long lenses beomes natural and hand holding at 400mm becomes a pleasure. Now I can give the 20D its maximum points.
For BG-ED3 in Camera Accessories
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 0$
Pros
- Very effective and useful
Cons
- None
I use it with the 10D. The two batteries it takes give you a full days shooting with ease. It is especially nice for people who have big hands, otherwise it feels as though your camera is too small when coupled to a hefty telephoto. It just seems to add balance all round and I never take it off the 10D. A cannot do without accessory for this camera.
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 0$
Pros
- Everything
Cons
- None
This is a truly great camera.
I have been using it for 18 months now with excellent results, no repairs needed, no problems whatsoever.
The best there is price vs quality. I have just ordered a 20D also which is really an upgrade for my kit.
Just remember a camera is only as good as the lenses you are using. Non L lenses will not give you the same result as L lenses and preferably IS L lenses.
I have been using it for 18 months now with excellent results, no repairs needed, no problems whatsoever.
The best there is price vs quality. I have just ordered a 20D also which is really an upgrade for my kit.
Just remember a camera is only as good as the lenses you are using. Non L lenses will not give you the same result as L lenses and preferably IS L lenses.
- TwoBoy
- 5.00 star(s)
- Recommended
- Yes
- Price
- 0$
Pros
- Very sharp throughout range, Image Stabilization is excellent, packaged nicely with lens hood and decent bag
Cons
- Tripod ring - lens has to be taken off camera to remove it
Based on Canon 10D and 20D use:
I rate this lens THE BEST THERE IS for wildlife and birds in Africa. Very sharp at all focal lengths even when fitted with the Canon 1.4X II converter but you lose AF with the converter. IS is so good it can be handheld at any focal length so I have removed the tripod ring - its just not needed if you have something to lean on.
Apart from being sharp colours are excellent, AF is fast and the lens seems very well balanced when fitted with the extra battery holder. Excellent AF in low light comes to mind. I like the push-pull with this lens - it is fast and smooth and you can adjust movement with a ring adjuster.
For people who speak out against this lens I ask you -
1. How many shots have you lost because you are not using a zoom
2. The so-called dust problem - mine is used in dirty dusty Africa with no problems
3. If primes are better - please explain to us all how you manage to get birds and animals to pose for you - we all need to know this
4. What is wrong with push-pull - it gives one the speed to frame any animal or bird fast and accurately
If I had only one lens this would be it. FABULOUS!!! And quite cheap for a Canon L series.
BIRDS AND WILD ANIMALS DO NOT POSE FOR YOU - A VERY GOOD ZOOM LIKE THIS IS THE ONLY SOLUTION
Updates: Its now a year gone by and I took the lens in to Canon to check it for dust or any other potential problem. No dust. No problems. Just perfect and this lens has worked really hard!
2 yers + now: No dust problems, very, very good lens.
I rate this lens THE BEST THERE IS for wildlife and birds in Africa. Very sharp at all focal lengths even when fitted with the Canon 1.4X II converter but you lose AF with the converter. IS is so good it can be handheld at any focal length so I have removed the tripod ring - its just not needed if you have something to lean on.
Apart from being sharp colours are excellent, AF is fast and the lens seems very well balanced when fitted with the extra battery holder. Excellent AF in low light comes to mind. I like the push-pull with this lens - it is fast and smooth and you can adjust movement with a ring adjuster.
For people who speak out against this lens I ask you -
1. How many shots have you lost because you are not using a zoom
2. The so-called dust problem - mine is used in dirty dusty Africa with no problems
3. If primes are better - please explain to us all how you manage to get birds and animals to pose for you - we all need to know this
4. What is wrong with push-pull - it gives one the speed to frame any animal or bird fast and accurately
If I had only one lens this would be it. FABULOUS!!! And quite cheap for a Canon L series.
BIRDS AND WILD ANIMALS DO NOT POSE FOR YOU - A VERY GOOD ZOOM LIKE THIS IS THE ONLY SOLUTION
Updates: Its now a year gone by and I took the lens in to Canon to check it for dust or any other potential problem. No dust. No problems. Just perfect and this lens has worked really hard!
2 yers + now: No dust problems, very, very good lens.