Using older equipment

[TXForesterII]

My first dSLR is an Olympus E-510. While I really like it, it doesn't have the support and options for lenses, flash etc. that Nikon, Canon etc. have. I'm on a budget and bought a used Canon 10D. Last evening, UPS delivered a 100-300mm USM, that I took for a walk this morning.

I know the lens is optimized for digital and it doesn't have IS, but I think it will do till I put away some $$ for a similar zoom lens, and some other lenses.

[Angelo]

Mike, IS is good to have but if you intend to use the lens on a tripod then it's worthless.
Also, you can crank up the shutter speed, hold steady and get excellent results.
I also brace myself, when I can, up against a tree or post for added stability.

[kwhite]

Originally Posted by TXForesterII

I'm on a budget and bought a used Canon 10D. Last evening, UPS delivered a 100-300mm USM, that I took for a walk this morning.

I know the lens is optimized for digital and it doesn't have IS, but I think it will do till I put away some $$ for a similar zoom lens, and some other lenses.

I took some of my favorite images with a used 10D and various inexpensive lenses including a seriously cheap Sigma 70-300 zoom. It is quite a capable camera.
Because it has fewer pixels to work with than newer equipment you need to make sure to get the composition as right as possible in the camera. Don't crop those precious pixels unless you have to. Relax and enjoy. You have already done some good work with your 10D.

[TXForesterII]

Originally Posted by Angelo

Mike, IS is good to have but if you intend to use the lens on a tripod then it's worthless.
Also, you can crank up the shutter speed, hold steady and get excellent results.
I also brace myself, when I can, up against a tree or post for added stability.

Thanks for the advice. I've used film cameras long enough to know there are ways to get around the drawbacks of long focal lengths.

My big concern was sharpness of the lens. I was hoping it would do till I could get a sharper lens. Also, one of my reasons for getting it was shooting air shows. IS and tripods won't help. High enough shutter speed and good panning technique is more important.

[TXForesterII]

Originally Posted by kwhite

Because it has fewer pixels to work with than newer equipment you need to make sure to get the composition as right as possible in the camera. Don't crop those precious pixels unless you have to. Relax and enjoy. You have already done some good work with your 10D.

I too believe it is better to get it right in the camera whenever possible instead of cropping in a darkroom or photoshop. Thanks for the compliment.