The XSi Starter Kit will make using your camera more pleasurable and productive. The kit includes the Canon 200-DG Digital Gadget Bag, an LP-E5 Battery Pack, and a 58mm UV Haze Protection Filter. The Gadget Bag can hold all of your camera accessories and up to 3 additional lenses; the additional LP-E5 Battery Pack provides more shooting power so you can take pictures longer; and the UV Haze Protection Filter fits most Canon Lenses and protects the front element of the lens from dirt and scratches while also correcting for Ultraviolet (UV) light which can produce a bluish cast in your images and obscure distant details.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Good Kit
This came with my T1i. I don’t know if it’s worth $100 by itself. You definitely will need an extra battery, and having the UV filter is nice for protection purposes. The bag is just OK. Maybe because I prefer backpacks. I used some quad shox to turn it into a backpack and it works ok. I can carry the T1i body, 3 lenses, filters, cables and strap the tripod below.

5 Stars Great deal
The pictures don’t do the bag justice. Was very surprised and pleased when I opened it.

5 Stars Good storage bag.
Good for long term storage. Too large to take with you. Good construction and a lot of room. Just a little pricey.

5 Stars Light with plenty of room!
This bag is great! It is light but has plenty of room! Amazon also had a great deal on this product when compared to local stores.

5 Stars Great Accessory for Canon SLR Camera
I recently purchased my 1st canon SLR digital camera and needed something to keep it in. I was searching the stores first before coming to Amazon, but for the price this bag is way worth picking up on Amazon. This same bag sells for a lot more in a retail store that carries canon SLR cameras. It’s great for storing extra lenses and parts for the camera. Good construction that seems it will last quite a while. I would recommend this bag to others.

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Equipped with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm standard zoom lens is ideal for just about any application. IS technology compensates for camera shake by providing the equivalent effect of a shutter speed up to four stops faster. This allows you to take sharp handheld shots even in low-light conditions–a must for sports and nature photography. The lens also offers an aspherical lens element that corrects for aberration, thus producing a topnotch image throughout the zoom range, and a circular aperture that exquisitely renders out-of-focus backgrounds. Despite its minimal size, weight, and cost, the lens expands the picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars An OK lens, not a great lens
The AF is slow compared to Canon USM lens, is slow even compared with Pentax screw-driven lens.

The image quality is improved significantly over previous non-IS versions. The image quality is good for its price. But don’t expect too much, it is nowhere near other higher grade lens from Canon. Even Canon 50/1.8 and 50/2.5 Macro lens beat the 18-55/IS easily.

5 Stars Good value for money
This lens is a vast improvement over the kit lens that came with the Rebel XTi. Good low light photos and less noise. I would definitely recommend this lens for anyone suffering with the kit lens.

5 Stars Great basic lens
This is the lens that normally comes in the kit. If you need a new Rebel, get the kit! We ended up paying more for it separately. What happened was my old camera quit working. We thought it was the body, so we just purchased a new body. Nope. The lens was broken! So then we had to purchase a lens separately. This is a nice basic/starter lens and works great for general photos. I do a lot of animal photos, and it’s worked fine. The next lens up cost more than the camera! So if you just need a basic lens, this does work, takes nice photos, and won’t break the bank.

5 Stars Great, yet cheap little zoom lens
While Canon produces many fantastic lenses, they do offer a lower-quality line at a much cheaper price. Mind you, Canon does this to broaded their market-share and to potentially create loyal customers from this group.

I have been looking for a simple small lens to attach to my camera when I am not doing work for money. I read about the size and weight of this lens and was pleased by the many good ratings, so I decided to get it. I was not disappointed. After a month now, the lens performs as it was stated, smooth zooming, the USM is heard, but it’s nothing bad, and the IS works flawlessly.

I have had no problems whatsoever mounting or dismounting the lens from my EOS 30D body, which stores beautifully amongst my other gear due to its small size. My professional lenses are twice the size and not having to carry the extra weight is a godsend.

I do wish the lens was made from more robust plastics, but if they did, the lens’ price would be higher. I will merely try to baby the lens every step of the way so it will last the longest possible. All in all, this lens is worth the money you spend on it, which is why I rated 5 stars.

4 Stars Nice Suprise
I bought this lens just to have it as a back up to my trusty Sigma 17-70 lens. It has not left my 40D since.I picked up the 18-55 IS as a “USA White Box” lens(was removed from a kit by a retailer).It is light,easy to handle and very sharp.The auto focus is fast and accurate.My thinking was that this might be an temporary lens until the New Canon 15-85 came out. I don’t know that the new lens would justify the extra $650.00. The 18-55 IS does have its short comings,but I feel the image quality and price outweigh them. I team this lens up with the 55-250 IS (another amazing value lens)and a fast prime like the 28 f/1.8 and I am covered for a day of walk around photography.

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For a limited time only, purchase a qualifying digital SLR and accessory and save $19.99 instantly. Simply add both items to your Shopping Cart and enter promotional code TQN578F8, and we’ll take care of the rest. (Codes are also listed on individual product pages. Limit one discount per each combined purchase.) These offers apply only to purchases of products sold by Amazon.com between March 18 and March 31, 2008, and do not apply to products sold by third-party merchants and other sellers through the Amazon.com site.

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The MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack allows for additional types and quanties of batteries to be used with the D300 Camera. The Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e), enables the D300 continuous shooting at 8 fps of up to 100 shots. (To Achieve these speeds, Super High Speed Memory Cards are also required)

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Nikon D300 Battery Pack
This batrery gives my camera more shooting time with the AA battery. I do not need to worry about battery dead problem. It is a must for serious photographer on a major porject.

5 Stars I use on D300s and D700
Lets me use the same EN-EL4 battery as my D3s so I only need one type and one charger. The AA battery tray was the real reason that I purchased this. You can’t always find a place to charge a battery but they sell AA batteries at the Timbuktu Gas & Grocery, so you will always have the power you need, when you need it. This is especially true when you need a backup battery but didn’t have time to charge the thing. A set of lithium AAs will store for seven years and always be ready when you need them. Max frames per second are available on AAs too as well as when using the EN-EL4 battery.

Removable when you don’t need the portrait grip or additional battery capacity to keep camera size and weight to a minimum. As sturdy as the camera body and a very good fit. Certainly better than the old L shaped MB-series (MB-D100 & 200 especially) which were impossible to pack and a real pain to install.

5 Stars Excellent option for D700
This battery grip is a great optional gear for Nikon D700 as it allows to shoot at 8fps with EN-EL4a battery for action photography. Solid construction and fits well onto D700.

4 Stars Very good product
Feels good, widely expands the potential of my D300, well built. I wish it would feel a bit more integrated with the D300, and be attached a bit tighter. Also, it would be nice not to feel the fastening disc when you grab it by the grip. But this feeling seems to cost more than twice than what I paid for my D300.

Love the camera though.

5 Stars Nice supplement to your Nikon body
Very solid buil and sound. It is a nice adding to your Nikon body, D300 and D700. I use it on D300 and the fit and feature for vertical shooting are very nice. Note, it will add substantially weight to the set that will give your muscle an excersise. Nothing to complain about.

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The Opteka RC-2 acts as a wireless shutter release capable of instantly triggering the shutter without disturbing the camera, up to a distance of approximately 16′ in front of the camera. Recommended for taking pictures of subjects that are difficult to approach, or to minimize vibration for close-ups and time exposure. Battery included, Typical Battery Life – up to 2 years, 10,000 exposures

Compatible DSLRs: Nikon D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D3000, & D5000

Compatible Film Cameras: Nikon F65, F75, N65, & N75

Compatible Point-and-shoot Digitals: Coolpix 8800 & 8400

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star False advertisement, plus it’s not a good product.
I was supposed to be the photographer at a friend’s party, and I was going to use this for everyone to take their own photos. Well, now I’ll have to make do with the timer. I’m returning it because of the false claim that it works on my D3000 and I suggest everyone do the same, even if it is only $10. This is directly from the instruction book: RC-2 Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40X, D70S, D70, D50, 8400, 8800, F75, F65, F55, N65, N75, Nuvis S, Lite Touch. There are more for Canon and other brands, but this remote does not work for my D3000 like the title suggests.

The one thing any small piece of technology like this needs is a small loop so that the owner can put a string through it so they don’t lose it. It disappointed me on all fronts.

5 Stars great buy!
very impressed with this item. you would rather buy this compared to other brands and is way more cheaper!

5 Stars Love it!
With your nikon there should be a timer setting that you can page through until a remote shows up (with or without a timer too) that enables this. I can use it in front, back and on the sides of the camera. We even played with bouncing it around another room to this cam and it worked great. Feels solid and very well engineered. Will be buying more for my family (my dad has a D80.)

1 Star Opteka Rc-2 wireless remote
Although it came with fast shipping, gets a 5 star for portability, and is exactly what I “thought” I wanted, I am very dissappointed in this! It clearly states in the posting that it is for a Nikon D60, when I actually received it at home though it clearly states in the information guidebook that this is NOT for the D60!! Doesn’t work for my camera!! I only paid $10 for it, so not worth the hassle of returning it for a refund, but still upsets me that I paid the company for something that they misrepresented to me! Most likely a great remote if you’re lucky enough to actually have it work with your camera.

5 Stars Excellent wireless remote
I use this with nikon d3000 in quick release mode and it works in virtually all direction such as sides and back , did not need to train as inside pamphlet suggested, range is pretty good too. I am completely satisfied.

Buy/More Info

A Whole New Class of EOS.
With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.
Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities – not just with stills but also with video – are beyond amazement.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Wonderful Machine. The lens, nothing especial.
I’ve recently buyed a EOS 7D. I’m delighted with the purchase.

It has a impressive technology.

It takes wonderful photographs.

The bestbuy for an amateur, on the verge of a professional machine.

4 Stars 7D or 40D and New Camcorder
I am an avid Canon SLR supporter and have owned the 20D, 30D & 40D. I am not a professional photographer per say, but I do wedding and event photography by word of mouth customers, So I do know something about the canon D-SLR line.

I had been contemplating upgrading to the 50D, but experiencing a lack of significant changes from the 20D on up I held off. Then the 7D came out with its claim to fame of its HD capability. I had been trying to decide to add video to photo lineup and when Canon offered the 7D with HD, it appeared both of my needs had been answered.

I am disappointed to say, that the video option of the 7D is not much to write home about. There is no auto-focus or exposure capability. You basically are entering live vue, press the half shutter to get the initial focus and exposure and then video from there. If your distance or exposure changes, your only option is to hit the auto-focus button, which has limited succes and travels in and out several times to find a setting. This is also very noisey depending on the lens you are using and is picked up very loudly on the audio recording. Yes, you can use remote mics, but again more money more set up for a one stop product. Please note, this is not just a low light issue either. It had similar problems outdoors in day light. Its amazing that canon makes other low end cameras like the Rebel and the SX1IS that do this dual mode with all the bells and whistles, but ther professional level SLRs do not.. If you want great sharp video and stills get the SX1IS for the everyday vaca shooting its great.

As far as an improved SLR, to many improvements to list. New sealed body for outdoor stuff, fast focus and focusing selections, with new info screen for ease of reading and changes. Again many many improvements, and definately several steps above the 40D. If your buying because of the HD, stick with you 40 or 50D and get a camcorder or the SX1IS…

5 Stars Canon 7D – a great buy for the price
Heavier than my old Canon Digital Rebal but packs a lot more punch. I have to hunt for some of the menu options but I’m getting used to it. I shot an HD video of a rental condo I own and the video feature worked very well.

I really appreciate the feature to shoot in JPG but to switch to JPG and RAW with the touch of one nicely placed button. Easy to switch from photo to video. The lens that comes with the camera (if you buy the basic lens and body option) has a much nicer range than my original rebal lens.

This is a fantastic camera, in regards to options, for an intermediate level photographer. There are lighter, smaller cameras that are easier to use but this camera has far more features and the ability to shoot in 1080p HD video.

4 Stars Great Features compared to XT, AF on the soft side
I had the Rebel XT (350D) for three going four years, and yes it is a awesome camera!

when I was looking for an upgrade to my rebel XT the T1i look really great, but then came the 7D and all of the new AF features and video. I think that the rebel body is lean and small even more now having a XD body.

If your on a budget the rebel T1i is a great upgrade with more MP (al dough with 8MP is more than enough) good video Q, live view and better high ISO performance than the XXXD and if you like the rebel series bodies then you should go for it, now if you don’t mind the video The 50D offers higher ISO and FPS than the rebel series and better IQ overall.

7D !!! :

I do recommend the upgrade to any one moving in that direction. The size is no issue when you get all that features, and it feels really good solid and hefty in your hands. The FPS & AF Are Fast. The high ISO performance is amazing comparing it to the XT, the low light focus and results are simply great. The AF points and versatile setup is so much better than the XT there is no comparing it.

The view finder and the LCD screen are just awesome… you cannot compare it to the Rebel 350D its on another league.

The battery life is longer, you can record RAW a JPG on at the same time or choose to do it with a press of a button. And the list of features goes on.

I Think that there is still much potential on the 7D via firmware cos it’s a awesome piece of hardware, no matter what they say.

18-270mm Tamron VC ( got it last year to upgrade the Rebel and now use with the 7D )

50D :

I think (money wise) that a Canon 50D is a good upgrade (IQ compared to the 7D) and don’t care for the video or faster AF.

If you are looking for the most IQ available today, it’s no brainer that the 5DMII is the choice (and don’t mind the extra money) performs better in low light than the 7D. Now the 7D is faster on Focus and in FPS, so if youre a sports shooter or wildlife photographer the 7D will suit you more.

Hope it helps you decide

The AF is not 100% accurate all the time ( got in touch with Canon Tech and they say maybe its because on the Tamron Lens? ) I get a bit soft images that you can improve with PP but overall you get very good IQ ( if want excellent IQ get the 5DMKII )

Highly Recommended!

5 Stars Canon’s Customer Relations
Ever had a problem with a camera? Ever missed the e-tailers 30 day return policy? Ever had to return the camera to the manufactor for repairs? Well, I have. To shorten this story I would like to say Canon stands behind their products. My 7d’s problem was an unidentifed error message(no number). This error occured whenever I made any adjustments or control changes. I returned the camera to Jamesburg, NJ with a full explaination and believe or not got the camera back in eight days. Alas, it had the same problem. I then called the factory tech and explained the problems. She transfered me to the Customer Relations Dept. where they did not fiddle around with excuses, they replaced the camera with a new copy. They also paid all shipping. My past expericences have not been close to this gradifing. I have not read the Canon warranty, but I feel they could have thrown me into the cycle of shipping and reshipping only to return to the fact that I would have had no confidence in the $1,700.00 repaired/unrepaired camera.

I was able to take about 280 exposures with the camera before the onious errors occured and found the 7d is a delight to use. Most exposures were clean and crisp, some where perhaps a little soft on the edges. As I only shot in RAW with little post processing I was very happy with my results.

Buy/More Info

Specially designed Lens Hood for the CANON EF 50MM f/1.4 Lens (CAN 50MM/1.4USM)/ Prevents glare and unwanted lens flare

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars really….
30 bucks for this is an over kill….but it is good quality and worth it. If I did it again I would still probably buy this one over a knock off that is 1/3 of the price…

5 Stars A must to protect the lens!
I bought this hood only to protect the lens. A Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 SLR Lens is a very easy damage thing when the barrel is extended. Even though I’m very careful with my stuff the lens broke two times in the past. First time withing the term covered by warranty and second time I had to pay $95 to Canon for repair. The hood is much cheaper than that and protects the telescoping part of the lens very well.

4 Stars good, but overpriced
Good, but overpriced. Thought of buying a generic version, but thought twice and got this. Why buy a cheap lens cover on a $400 lens? I worried about the generic lens cover won’t fit right and cannot be flipped around and be mounted. OEM is always the best, but with a price tag. Did I regret getting this over the generic version? Nope. Why? If I was going cheap, I would had gotten the 50mm 1.8 instead of the 1.4.

4 Stars Better then expected
Like many of you, I looked all over the internet in order to find a hood for my 50mm 1.4. As you all know, they range in price by a lot. I finally broke down and decided to get the canon brand, which was also the most expensive. The whole time I was thinking to myself, why am I paying 30 bucks for a piece of plastic. I must say that when I got the hood, I was mildly surprised that it wasn’t just a formed piece of plastic. The inside is lined with felt and the construction feels good. Now is it worth the 30 bucks? Well, maybe not quite, that is why I gave it 4 stars. However I was impressed that it does look and feel in person more then what I’d imagine I’d get if I bought the 10 dollar generic one. I have it on my lens and it looks great and helps to protect the lens too.

5 Stars Does not come off my lens
I love this hood so much that I don’t bother with the lens cap. I bought a knockoff hood prior to this purchase and its totally not the same. The velvet flocking on the inside of the hood is great for collecting dust that would normally go unto the lens.

Buy/More Info

CapKeeper2 is an elastic loop, which wraps around lens barrel of your camera, with lens cap leash. It prevents lens cap loss with adhesive-backed disc attached to the cap. CapKeeper2 is designed for SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses and video cameras.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Perfect Fit
I recently purchased a Canon Powershot SX20IS through Amazon. The lens cap fits securely on the lens barrel but there is no tether, only a clip inside to attach the cap onto the neck strap, which I don’t use. When I saw this item and the reviews were very positive, I decided to buy it. This is THE tether that all super zoom and DSLR cameras should include. The elastic band fits snugly around the lens barrel and the sticky button fits onto the lens cap securely. The tether may be one to two inches on the long side, but better long than too short.

4 Stars Good value for money
The capkeeper does what is supposed to do. I would have give it fivestars if it were customizable for both SLR lenses and ZDSLRs bodies.

4 Stars Great , hard to find item
Hunted all over for these after losing my lens cover. These are perfect, inexpensive and simple to use.

4 Stars So far so good…
I just purchased the Sima Capkeeper 2 and put it on my canon kit lens 28-135. Works great and seems to be sticking pretty securely and although the string is a bit short, it’s doable for this particular lens. I’m not so sure it would be long enough for a larger zoom without interfering.

5 Stars Works excellent with Nikon D40
This product works great with my stock nikon d40 kit lens. The sticky bits stick well, and althought the chord looks a bit short, it fits the 18-55 lens really well. I used a small c clamp to apply pressure to the sticky bit on the lens cap. So far so good! Two thumbs up!

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The L-series is Canon’s flagship professional lens range, designed to include outstanding image performance, ultimate operability and weather resistance. The EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM offers a lightweight alternative to the renowned EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM. offers the highest possible optical quality with no change in aperture over the full focal range of the lens. This allows photographers to set exposure at the widest aperture and zoom all the way through to 105mm without having to vary the shutter speed. Image Stabilizer (IS) dramatically reduces image blur caused by camera shake. Gyro sensors detect unwanted vibrations, triggering the corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane. The 3 stop advantage means that photographers normally shooting a 105mm lens handheld at 1/125 sec can obtain a shake free result with a shutter speed as low as 1/15 sec, for vastly extended options in low light conditions. The ring-type USM motor found in the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM employs ultra-sonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with unrivalled speed and near-silent operation. A powerful CPU and improved AF algorithm contribute to speed performance. Good holding torque stops the lens with precision and accuracy, the instant it arrives at the correct focus point and without overshoot. Photographers can choose manual focus instantly and at any time simply by moving the manual focus ring without first having to switch out of auto focus mode. Circular aperture producing attractive background defocus Inner focusing, ring USM and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing Manual focusing enabled even during AF mode (full-time mechanical manual focus) Only environmentally friendly lead-free glass used in lens construction Filter diameter 77 mm / Dimensions (dia x len)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Lens
I am an amateur and this is my first L lens. If you could get only one lens, THIS is the one!

The pictures and videos look great.

4 Stars Great Everyday Lens
I had tried this lens first on the 5DMII and thought the IQ was terrific. I then tired it on the 40D and although not as great as on the 5DMII the difference from my non “L” lenses was appreciable. When I purchased my 7D I was hoping this was the kit lens so that I could take advantage of the discounted price, but unfortunately it wasn’t part of the package. I payed full price for it and that is my only complaint. The IQ doesn’t seem to be as good on the 7D (a cropped sensor) as is on the full frame 5DMII, but is still much better than the 17-55 mm that I used as my everyday lens for the 40D. For the price, I think it could have been better than an f/4.0 -especially for indoor low light situations. It’s quiet and focuses quickly. Overall, I think it’s a great lens and if you can swallow the price then you won’t regret getting it.

4 Stars Quality lens
Very good quality lens, feels solid and the picture quality is lovely.

Lens ships with UV filter, canon soft case and sun shield.

5 Stars Canon EF 24-70mm vs. 24-105mm IS: Read this if you are a hobbyist
I am a hobbyist and this review is for people like me. What I mean by that is that I take pictures for fun and nobody buys my pictures. I mostly shoot landscape, nature, and portraits of family, friends, and relatives. I will refer to 24-70mm as the 70, and the 24-105mm IS as the 105. I first made the mistake of buying the 70, then I returned it with a hefty restocking fee and bought the 105 – I don’t have the slightest regret and I could not be happier. I’m taking my time to write this review so that you can spend your hard earned money wisely. Let’s analyze the trade-off between the two:

* Both lenses have excellent build and image quality. So these are not differentiating factors.

* The one and only advantage of the 70 is the one smaller f-stop. For me, this means more blur when I shoot portraits, so this is all good.

* The advantage of 105 over the 70 are as follows:

- You get an extra 35mm, which is 50% more zoom. I like this.

- You get a 3-stop IS. For me, this is a great advantage, because I rarely use tripods and IS saves the day. I would choose the 105 over 70 for the IS alone.

- The 105 is 10 ounces lighter and close to half an inch shorter.

The last part is the most important part: that additional 10 ounces make a heavy lens TOO HEAVY, and that extra length makes a big lens TOO BIG. Carrying the 70 on my 50D was a pain. I can assure you, the 70 is just too heavy to walk around and take pictures for fun. The keyword here is “fun”. The 70 is a pain, the 105 is fun. The 105 is still heavy, but not too heavy. It’s still big, but not too big. After having the 70 for a few weeks, I lost all my joy for shooting. It just made me very uncomfortable (and I’m 6-foot 2). When I replaced it with the 105, it did make a difference. I enjoy taking pictures now, once again. Pros might like the 70 because they need it for their professional work. But if you’re shooting just for fun, stay away from the 70 and get the 105.

4 Stars Excellent All-Purpose Glass
When purchasing the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, I had the option of purchasing it with this lens as part of the package. The combined price represented a savings and the focal-length range of this lens offers a practical, wide selection of options.

The f/4.0 opening at first does not seem very “fast” but all my prime lenses are not much faster, and none of my vintage primes offer auto-focus and image stabilization. This combined with the extreme ISO range of the 5D Mark II renders the f/4.0 of little concern. I have not yet been in a situation where I could not make an image with this lens – even in near-darkness!

It’s a huge heavy lens, which means it’s not going to be as convenient as that little cigarette-pack-sized point-and-shoot 10x zoom, but if you place convenience over all, you probably aren’t in the market for this type of gear anyway. This is convenient in a different way – photographic flexibility, spanning ultra-wide to short telephoto.

As with all zoom lenses, there are compromises to be made. Not fast, not small, it’s also probably not as sharp as a fixed focal length lens. But add up the cost of a 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 105mm, and see if perhaps the value of having them all in one lenses doesn’t tip the scale in favor of a lens perhaps not perfectly sharp, in favor of something you will likely be able to render many images without fumbling and breaking the bank.

And that’s not to say this lens is soft by any means. Sometimes I think all the hype about sharpness, beyond practical limits, is just one-upmanship. It’s the image that matters, and not everything is always sharp is it? I have uploaded some images to show the flexibility of this lens on the 5D Mark II, as employed by my eyes.

I find nothing yet to complain about!

Buy/More Info

The Opteka LP-E5 rechargeable lithium-ion 1800mAh battery is a replacement for replacement for Canon LP-E5. It features lithium technology, which ensures maximum battery life and maximum power. It also features no memory effect that lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance. Includes a Rapid Battery Charger with 12 V Car Adapter, And European Travel Adapter

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Off-Brand Battery
This battery works great and has a long life in my camera. Even with a fair amount of review on the screen after shooting my pictures my battery lasts for a good amount of shooting time and recharges quickly. I swap between the Canon battery that came with the camera and this one. I don’t use the flash very often so this may attribute to the really long life I get out of it.

5 Stars prefect and cheap
I bought this pack for travelling purposes and I can tell you it is awesome! lasts even more than the canon battery, comes with an adapter and you can recharge both batteries and only for $14.95

5 Stars Opteka LP-E5 batteries
I bought 2 of these Opteka LP-E5 batteries as back-up to my expensive Canon brand batteries. After using them for over a month now, they work just a good and last just as long as the expensive Canon batteries. I will not be buying any more expensive Canon brand batteries when I can buy 3 Opteka batteries for the price of 1 Canon battery.

5 Stars Worked great!
Having a new camera for taking pictures of museum artifacts (primarily), I needed spare batteries. Problem was that the OEM battery was ~$70 USD each which would reduce the number of spares I could pack. Also, the OEM charger was AC only, so would not allow for recharging while in transit. Opteka to the rescue! Inexpensive batteries and a dual AC & DC charger fit my needs exactly. I used the batteries for all day shooting of museum aircraft (which means lots of flash usage) and they performed at least as well as the OEM battery. Recharging was quick also, being less than 90 minutes in the car, so I could always have charged batteries on hand. Excellent value and performance overall, highly recommended for the amateur photog, perhaps even for the pro.

4 Stars Works great
I bought this for a new Canon T1i and it works great. The car charger is a nice touch. I can’t say that it lasts twice as long as the Canon battery, but it lasts at least as long.

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