[zhenya]

MIke, just got this lens today and gave it a quick look see and took couple of shots. Want to post one here for you to look over and tell me what you think.
Also, where would you recommend to have my sensor cleaned? I have couple of specks that driving me nuts.

[Poseidon]

Looks good to me Gene! I can't see any OBVIOUS spots either. As far as cleaning the sensor goes...

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/image/44814917

That kit is the BEST!

So how do you like the lens so far?

[zhenya]

Thanks for the link, Mike. I know you can't see the spots in this image but I can see them every time I look in the viewfinder.

I like the lens but I expected a bit more, I think. I truly believe that the problem may be in my camera and not the lenses I own. I'm beginning to think that maybe I need to upgrade the body before i spend any more money on lenses. I just don't see the difference between the lenses with this camera.

[Poseidon]

Originally Posted by zhenya

I can see them every time I look in the viewfinder.

Ahhh! This is a different, much EASIER fix! If you see the dust when you look thru the finder, it means the dust is either on the mirror (most likely) or on the focusing screen! These are MUCH MUCH easier to clean, and are not so sensitive as the sensor itself! You can just use a "blower brush" I bought mine at a local Ritz Camera, for about $3! Just pop the lens off, and brush away! No real serious problems even if you do it wrong, you are not going to hurt anything that can't be easily replaced. These components are MUCH MUCH cheaper then the SENSOR!

As far as replacing the Camera, now is the time to WAIT! Canon usually announces new bodies in August or September. So far the big news is the 5D, a full frame 12 MP camera. Estimated price is around $3500! Not for ME! I doubt it would be for you either... BUT they may release something else that appeals to us!

[zhenya]

Mike,

I have this blower brush and I did try cleaning with it but I can see those spots still. Maybe it;s time to do it again...

I am really thinking of the 20D for myself, 5D would be waaay over my budget as I am not a pro or even semi pro. However, I will definately wait untill winter time to shop for the new body.
I just dumped 10 grand for some of the furniture for the beach condo we bought and need to take a breather on the spending front...

[Poseidon]

Hmm... Did you clean the focusing screen too? That is on top of the mirror, kinda a pain to get to. Since you live close to Adorama, or BH maybe they can do a clean for you? Hopefully it won't cost a fortune!

Congrats on the Beach Condo! Hopefully I will be able to get to that level of comfort to someday! I certainly have that GOAL!

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Poseidon

Hmm... Did you clean the focusing screen too? That is on top of the mirror, kinda a pain to get to. Since you live close to Adorama, or BH maybe they can do a clean for you? Hopefully it won't cost a fortune!

Congrats on the Beach Condo! Hopefully I will be able to get to that level of comfort to someday! I certainly have that GOAL!

Mike, I'll give B&H a holler and see if they can do this for me at a reasonable cost, God knows I spent enough money in that store already.
I'm hoping they;ll buy my Rebel from me and I can get a 20D instead.

As far as condo goes, it;s been my wife's and mine dream for quite some time. Finally we were able to get the place that would be just for the two of us.

[Poseidon]

Good Luck on both fronts, Gene! I think B&H will take care of you, they have a good reputation that can go south fast! As for the Condo, I'll bet you are anxiously awaiting the time to spend there alone!

[zhenya]

I'll bet you are anxiously awaiting the time to spend there alone!

You have no idea, Mike. However, I guarantee you that most of my time there will be spent with my granddaughter in tow. I can't imagine enjoying myself without her by my side. When we finish furnishing and cleaning up the place I'll make sure to take some pix and send them to you.

I am not sure if B&H reputation will go south all that fast, I;ve ordered from them and recieved top notch goods every time. There are few other shops around here but none want to take my Rebel and give me a good deal on the 20D, so I'll have to make the trip to the City and push those guys some.