I had one of those afternoons where it's all about me. I took off from home alone at 3pm, gassed up the car, headed downtown for a stop at the most reputable photography store around (amazing that I had never been there), and I tried out a 7D Mark II camera--and we talked all kinds of things that after almost two years I could understand (or at least felt I could get to a point of understanding). I'm looking for an upgrade--the big question is full-frame or no. The 7D Mark II is a wildlife/sports/action dream camera with tons of focal points and a shutter that will blow your mind (10 FPS!). It's a crop-sensor camera, but I think it's what I'd want. And then they let me try a 100-400 lens on it. I almost died and went to heaven. Of course, I don't have the money yet, but my birthday's coming up...who knows!
But that's not the best part of the day, but boy was it a fun start to the afternoon. At 5:00, I headed to the GA Aquarium in downtown -- my membership ends tomorrow and I wanted one more crack at taking some jelly fish shots (the WORLD was there--I'm not kidding--so many languages and so many people--I was in love). I took my monopod, and I had packed my car with all the gear I would need for after the aquarium. NIGHT SHOTS! I saved the tripod in the trunk so I could get new set of gear outside aquarium.
It was so crowded, and so cold out in the dark, but I could not stop trying to get a shot of Atlanta's new ferris wheel (newish I mean). I tried several lenses and opted for my wide-angle Bowers (fixed 14mm) lens so I could get the full circle. The biggest obstacle was traffic, people, horse carriages, you name it. So I set up my tripod LOW to the ground, and between two parked cars. I then angled the camera, used live view and used my brand spanking new remote!!! Oh, glory, glory, glory that thing is awesome! So my camera was about as still as it was going to get for this shot.
I'm pleased as punch. It may even be a cliche shot, but it's a dream shot for me (I even got the moon--it's a perfect flare too). So, chuffed. I have some other shots, and over the days I will be using some. I just could not wait to share this one.
After I got this one, a street vendor selling night light toys (and light-up new year's glasses) came by to see how my shots were turning out. I ended up buying two glasses for my girls for tomorrow night and gave him a tip for all his encouragement. Saw some other photographers who had some serious equipment, but one guy was lamenting the absence of his tripod. I offered mine if he wanted a shot, and he said "five kids..." and I understood and nodded that he'd get all kinds or other wonderful shots instead. I love camera people.
Enjoy New Year's Eve all of you wonderful people who are completing your first or another year. I'm thankful that the pressure is off and will end on the 21st of January. And if I get a new camera, well, I'll HAVE to do a third year. It will be a significant learning curve for me going from a very baseline DSLR to something so blingblangy!
Night all. And, yes, this is a poorly edited entry, and yes, I know I use the word "so" too much.
There are some select individuals on 365, you amongst them, who write some long narratives and I love reading every word! I was filled with your contagious enthusiasm, and seeing your capability these many months, I think a superb camera would be in good hands with you! This photo is a gem...hang "cliche"...why do people hedge when the photo is spectacular?! This is a great photo! YOU know it...and so do we!
What a wonderful afternoon! I love your narratives! This was especially interesting when you were in the camera,shop. I have a full frame camera - Canon 5D 11 and am looking to upgrade as I have focusing issues. I can't make up my mind whether to go for the 5D 111 which a friend of mine has and she says it's the best thing since sliced bread! Or the 7D 11 which is perfect for wildlife with those 10 fps! I love the full frame for the way you can crop without looking any quality - but that speed is so tempting! I will be interested to see which way you decide to go! I love your shot- something I have never tried but which is on my list. A fabulous image which deserves a huge Fav!
Fab shot Daryl always wanted to get a shot like this but lugging my tripod around always puts me off. I have the 7D which I love, except in low light, when it's a bit pants! I can't afford the 5 or 7D MII but I do hear good things about the 6D, it might be worth taking a look, just a thought.
@jo13 thanks! I'll look at the 7D. The 6D and 7D M II are same price and the 7D MII has more features I like. I like the idea of full frame, but the speed for moving images seems very appealing. I will not be upgrading after this purchase for years. I'll be investing in glass from now on. Happy new year dear friend!!!
@pamknowler I'm totally leaning 7D MII. You would have best if both worlds. The 5D Mii and a 7DMii? That's the combo Vee has. Use one for low light and lanscapes. The other fir fast moving objects! :)
