Sigma 50-500mm now with optical stabilization

Sigma has finally released an OS version of the famous 50-500mm telephoto zoom lens. I have the non-OS version of this lens and I can tell you this lens needs it. I can get get sharp photos no problem, it's just when the light starts to fade or if there is a lot of panning, things can get a little shaky. This is a heaver lens, so for some people the lens might cause their arm to be fatigued.

The only problem I had with my lens is my HSM motor squeaks if it focuses fast. It gets really bad in the cold. It hasn't hurt the performance of the lens yet. It's been squeaking for a couple years now. Other than OS the new 50-500mm is basically the same lens as mine. So I can speek for the lens, it will be a great lens.

Cars and Cameras now on Twitter

Yes, I finally caved. I set up a Twitter account. This will be the more informal side of C&C. So for more up to date postings check out C&C on twitter. You may might be thinking that Cars and Cameras on blogger might be dead. This is far from the truth, after April I am done with college. So there will be much more postings. In the meantime, check out twitter to get your C&C fix.

Cars & Cameras now on twitter

The Little Rebellious Camera.

I started to think the other day, and my brain still hurts. Zing! What I was thinking about was my little "cheap" SLR, the Canon Rebel XT. I realized just how wonderful it really is. Because the camera is cheap, I carry it everywhere I go. I don't worry too much about it being lost, stolen, or damaged. As I said in previous posts, the best camera is the one that you have with you. Also, the camera is very compact, so it is very portable. If I have a smaller lens on it and no accessories it can be, errr, ummmm. It doesn't look professional, so people at concerts don't take it away. We'll leave it at that.

The XT is a tuff ol' bird too. It may feel like a Tonka toy, but it is holding up pretty darn good. Believe me, it has seen its fair share of hard knocks too. The shutter is still going strong and all the buttons still work.

The image quality of the XT is top notch. Even though this camera is a few years old now, it still holds its own when compared to the shiny new cameras. The new cameras have at least 12 megapixels nowadays, but this little guy has 8mp. Actually, 8mp is overkill most of the time. Heck, 8mp is even good for printing posters. I don't Megapixel envy at all.

In the end, my Canon Rebel XT is a very good little camera, that I use more than my professional gear.

CB radio, Alive or Dead?

What comes to mind when you think of CB (Citizens Band) radio? The 70s, or maybe movies such as "Smokey and the Bandit"? Most people proabably think CB's are ancient technology that cell phones have replaced. Well, there are a lot less people who use CBs today then in their hayday. Nevertheless, there still is a LOT of CBers out there. Now what's the point of a CB in a car if everybody has a cell phone? Unlike cell phones, the general public can hear everybodies conversations. So, a CB equiped car can get real-time road condition updates. Some CBs even have a weather band feature, which is pretty handy. Because CBs don't require a "network" like cell phones they will always work when your in the middle of nowhere. There tends to be a bit of trash talk on the CB nowadays, but CBs are still a lot fun. A lot of the CBers are fun to listen too. Some will even mention where the "smokeys" are hiding. If your lost and your trusty GPS is on the fritz, ask for help over the CB. Other CBers will love to help you out.

If you do a lot driving, there should be a CB installed in your car. They can be a very helpful tool.

Ok, I talked you into buying a CB. "Which one should I get and how much will it cost me?", you may ask. Well, the good news is that buying a "setup" doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. There are many routes you can go. You can buy used or new. Personally, I'd buy all new, but that's just me. You can buy a cheap Radioshack CB radio for $40 and a cheap $30 magnetic mount antenna. The setup will work just fine too. The reason why other radios cost a lot more is they have more features. All radios are limited to 4 watts by law, so the expensive radios will not give you anymore range then a cheap radio. There are some people who buy illegal linear amplifiers to up their wattage. Sometimes, these people can be heard from hundreds of miles away. With a legal 4 watt setup, the range is probably not too much more than 10 miles on a good day.

Next, you'll need an antenna. Again if you want to do a cheap setup, just go to Radioshack and buy a cheap magnet mount antenna. There are all sorts of antenna out there. Metal "whips", fiberglass antennas, cell phone look-a-likes, etc... There are many ways to mount antennas too. The easiest way to do it, without drilling holes, is a magnet mount. Just run the wire out the door and your in business. The most important thing to do is calibrate your radio and antennas SWR. Failure to do so can result in a damaged radio. Also, if your SWR is off, you might not be transmitting at full capacity. You can buy an SWR meter, or try and borrow one from a CB shop or friend.

I recently bought a new CB system for my car. I bought a Midland handheld CB radio (Pictured above). Midland LINK

This is a great little radio. It has many features and it's really compact when it's in its "car mode." Meaning, its the size a microphone when the battery compartments are off if it.

I bought a fiberglass antenna to go with it. The antenna is a Firestik II adjustable tip antenna. Normally the longer the antenna the better, but for looks I got a two foot antenna. For only being two foot long, the antenna does a pretty darn good job. I mounted it with Firestik's magnet mount, also attached a medium duty spring with quick disconnect.

Firestik LINK

This setup does a very good job for me. For you beginner CBers out there, have fun!

Mercedes-Benz & Fashion Week

I ran across a pretty cool video on you tube the other day. It features the SLS AMG and some of the lighting setup can be seen. This is a pretty cool video because it features both CARS and CAMERAS.

Check it out...

My Camera Gear Buying Tips

I hear it all the time. People saying how they wished they had a good camera so they can take better pictures. These people need to be slapped upside the head. The camera is not what takes good photos. That's the photographers job. I know a few people who spent thousands of dollars on camera equipment and they actually think they are really good photographers because they have all of this gear. When in reality, their work is far from being good. I know that sounds kind of cruel but it's true. Just because you have professional gear, doesn't mean you are a professional. Sorry about that rant, now on to something that is possibly useful!

What I like to tell people when they first start off in photography is to ease into it. Don't go to the camera store and buy the very best that money can buy. Heck I have seen some very good results from toy cameras. If your not sure if photography is your "thing", think about getting a point and shoot camera. Many times the people will get better results from a point and shoot camera then they would from a digital SLR. Many times when people who are starting off in photography they buy a digital SLR with a bargain-basement deal lens. So the image quality of that lens is very poor. Then people get upset that their camera is less than what they expected. If you the type a person who knows that your not going to get into photography that much, then stay away from the SLRs. Go buy yourself a good point and shoot camera. The image quality is going to be a LOT better than any SLR + El cheapo lens combo. Plus, those point and shoot cameras have come a long way in the feature department. You can do many of the same things on a point and shoot as with a SLR.

OK, what if photography is your "thing"? I still urge you not to go out and buy the latest and greatest camera. Why? You need to invest in glass, that's why! Like I said before if you have a cheap lens on camera, the image quality of your photos will suffer. I'm not saying you can't get stunning photos from cheap lenses or that you shouldn't buy cheap lenses. I am saying don't waste all your money on the best camera body. Invest your money in lenses or other accessories that will help you expand your photography. In all reality a 6MP camera is sufficient for just about anything you'll do. So don't get into to the "more mega pixels are better" sales hype. My opinion is that anything over 10MP is overkill. The entry level SLRs can do most anything a pro SLR can do too. So don't worry about lack of features. As of what brand to buy, any are fine. I am a Canon guy myself but I'll say stick with either Nikon or Canon. Stay with those two only because it is easier to find accessories for them when your traveling. Don't get me wrong, Sony, Olympus, Sigma, etc... they all make good cameras. Shop around, see what one you like the best.

The summary of all of this is don't worry about getting the most expensive camera with the biggest sensor. It's not going to help you any. Spend your money on good quality lenses that will bump your image quality up. Or buy some accessories for your camera that you can use to dabble in other areas of photography. Such as an off camera flash, reflectors, studio gear, etc...

For more great comics like the one featured at the top of this page please visit What the Duck's website

What The Duck: Strip search

I am still alive. Help needed. Attention FORD.

No, I did not get hit by a bus.

Sorry boys and girls for the lack of posts. I have been really bogged down with work and school.

I have some bad news though, I have nobody giving me cars to test. As in no manufactures want me finding what's wrong with their cars. I been wanting to test the new Taurus. (Hint, Hint. Ford) I keep hearing how Ford is stepping up their game and building, do I dare say it? Good cars!

I can be pretty harsh on the big 3, but I do give Ford props. Over the past couple years they keep building better, and better vehicles. So, I am calling you out Ford. You think your new cars will pass my high standards? Send a tester my way and lets find out.

As for the photography portion of my blogg, I have been really slacking off. I promise I will get some new stuff posted up. It might be awhile though. (Finals :( )

The good news is I get a bunch of time off for the holidays. Keep checking in from time to time. I promise I will get new stuff posted up.