Compromises

A compromise. We can't get everything we want. Well at least not all at once. 

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV that I have read and researched so much about is finally tucked safely in the camera bag, ready to be taken to the camera store tomorrow and have it fitted with its first lens.

But this is where the compromise kicks in. With such an expensive camera my lens budget really took a big hit. But it's not really all that bad. Back when I was planning to purchase the Nikon D800 or the Canon EOS 5D Mark III I remember writing that I would probably have to make do with a 50mm prime lens to start with. Fortunately with all the hard work that I have been doing, my budget has increased to more than that.

But my expense account is not just limited to buying camera gear. I have another huge expenditure in the works: my trip to the Philippines this December. Aside from my photography this is probably the most important thing I should focus on. I'm not just going "home" on a whim; my going home is a promise to my mother and siblings that I will see them again. And I miss them so. So my vacation money and the incoming tax refund I am supposed to get this June will be split between buying useful lenses, lenses which can enhance my creativity, and buying a plane ticket.

The EF 400mm F5.6L USM lens is just too expensive for now. But after doing some research I came across the Sigma APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM (whew!) lens. It's relatively inexpensive at around US$ 1000, has better reach, making this a 650mm lens on the EOS 1D Mark IV. And it also has something that the 400mm lacks: image stabilization. And so far reviews have been positive. It needs some stopping down to get the tack sharp images, and it is rather heavy at around 2 kilograms! But for nature photography one would expect to carry such heavy equipment anyway. 

This and the 50mm prime should have me covered for now. For photography walks in Oslo having only a prime lens to shoot with isn't really that big a deal. I'll just have to save up for an old EF 24-70 F2.8L USM lens later before I travel home to the Philippines. I shot with this lens exclusively on my 5D Mark II and the results with this lens in just impressive. And with version 2 of this lens being released soon the older model is getting cheaper and cheaper.

So tomorrow I will be back with some test shots of the 1D Mark IV! I still haven't figured out how to use the camera properly yet. But I plan to go to Østensjøvannet and have an impromptu attempt at shooting birds. The AF will probably not be optimal. But I have shot with a Canon camera before, so I just have to rely on muscle memory this time.