The Kit

I will be using the following Kit:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II EF 24-105L IS USM Kit.
SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash Card 8GB 60 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash Card 8GB 30 MB/s



I have read the Canon camera website for details of my kit which includes the following descriptions:

"This full frame EOS 5D Mark II combines outstanding resolution with 3.9 fps shooting and superlative high ISO performance.  The addition of full HD movie recording expands the boundaries of photography." It looks like the camera won a TIPA award in 2009. I am pleased with it and want to learn how to do it justice.

The site describes the 24-105mm L series Lens for photographers who target the face of nature in the course of their explorations.  So that fits in with my 'nature' theme.  It goes on to say its the perfect companion for shooting on the move and achieves crisp, undistorted L-series image quality throughout the entire zoom range.  It features high dust-moisture resistant qualities for reliable performance, even in the most severe conditions and meets the rigorous demands of professional photographers.  The lens boasts a super UD element, a GMo Aspherical lens and a Replica Aspherical lens and while I don't know what all this means, it sounds a good one, and hopefully I will get what I want from my pictures.

A Hoya Pro1 digital filter UV filter, 77mm,  fitted to the end of the lens serves as a permanent lens protector to guard against  dust/damage/weather.  It also absorbs the ultraviolet rays which often makes outdoor photographs hazy and indistinct.  This is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter for colour and black and white photos.

I have not yet used the EW-83H Lens hood that came with the lens, but I intend to during this course.

The tripod is a CamLink TPPRE-27 that extends from 68cm-165cm high.  It is suitable for camera and video use, hence the large handle (for video use) which often gets in my way I have found with camera use.  I bought this tripod without much research, from a local store to where I work (in my lunch break) when I decided I needed one urgently during level 1 work.  I liked the fact that the guy in the store showed me how to use it and it seemed the easiest, lightest, whilst stockiest build like one they had in stock that day.  It also came with its own carry case with shoulder strap.   At the time I had thought I may not use it that often anyway.

                                                              Features:

                                                              *  sand bag hook on centre column
                                                              *  braced rhombic legs with quick locks
                                                              *  carrying handle
                                                              *  self levelling rubber feet